Crocker

DREAM DEBUT AS WIGAN MEET CHELSEA

Newly-promoted Wigan Athletic have been handed a dream Barclays Premiership debut with a home fixture against champions Chelsea on the opening day of the 2005/06 season.



Paul Jewell's side, appearing in the top division of English football for the first time in their history, take on Jose Mourinho's all-conquering Blues, who lost just once on their march to the title last term, at the JJB Stadium.

Everton kick-off their campaign on August 13 against eight-times Premiership champions and fellow Champions League contenders Manchester United, a team they have beaten just three times in 26 top-flight meetings since 1992.

Arsenal begin their final season at Highbury against Graeme Souness' Newcastle United, who will be determined to improve on a disappointing 14th-place finish last time out.

European champions Liverpool travel to the Riverside Stadium to take on Middlesbrough, who finished in a best-ever Premiership position of seventh in 2004/05.

Bolton Wanderers - another team to record their best-ever Premiership placing last term - make the trip to Aston Villa, with Sam Allardyce's side also preparing to make their UEFA Cup bow.

Coca-Cola Championship winners Sunderland kick-off at home to Charlton Athletic - the side who denied them Premiership status in a thrilling play-off final at Wembley in 1998 - while West Ham United, who were promoted via the play-offs, have a home game against Blackburn Rovers.

Fulham open the season at home to Birmingham City, Manchester City welcome West Bromwich Albion to the City of Manchester Stadium, and Tottenham Hotspur travel to Portsmouth to complete a mouth-watering opening day schedule.

Barclays Premiership opening day fixtures: August 13

Arsenal v Newcastle United

Aston Villa v Bolton Wanderers

Everton v Manchester United

Fulham v Birmingham City

Manchester City v West Bromwich Albion

Middlesbrough v Liverpool

Portsmouth v Tottenham Hotspur

Sunderland v Charlton Athletic

West Ham United v Blackburn Rovers

Wigan Athletic v Chelsea

For all the Barclays Premiership

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Quack Handle

Sounds good, I'll probably be going to the Newcastle game.

The Phantom

Interesting day of football. But Crocker you forgot this fixture for our dear old friend Bulldog:


Crystal Palace v Luton

Tyler Durden

You guys crack me up (bastards!!!)

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A throne is just a bench wrapped in velvet

Crocker

Im pissed off we always get some mediocre game on the first day, I wanted an Arsenal or a Chelsea

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