Moyes gets tough start at United

Champion Manchester United will travel to Swansea City for its first English Premier League match under new manager David Moyes, while Manuel Pellegrini's Manchester City is at home to Newcastle United on August 17.

United, kicking off its league campaign without Alex Ferguson in charge for the first time since 1986, was handed a tricky opening five matches in fixture lists published yesterday.

It hosts Chelsea, with Jose Mourinho back in charge for the second time, on August 24 before Moyes makes a return to Merseyside with a game at Anfield against old foe Liverpool on August 31.

The champion then takes on promoted Crystal Palace before making the short journey to the Etihad Stadium for the first Manchester derby against last year's runner-up with its new Chilean manager on September 22.

The return Manchester derby at Old Trafford is scheduled for March 21.

"Lively start to the season! Let us at them," declared United defender Rio Ferdinand on Twitter.

Chelsea, third last season behind the Manchester clubs, starts at Stamford Bridge against newly promoted Hull City with Frank Lampard hoping to make a record 18th appearance in an opening fixture of a Premier League season.

The west Londoners then host Aston Villa after their trip north to United.

Everton, with Roberto Martinez stepping into Moyes's shoes, starts out at Norwich City before hosting Chelsea as its fourth match. It visits United on December 3.

Liverpool starts the season at home to Stoke City, now under the leadership of Mark Hughes, while Arsene Wenger's Arsenal is at home to Villa at the Emirates.

Promoted Cardiff City travels to West Ham United while Crystal Palace marks its return to the top flight with a home match against Tottenham Hotspur.

The first Welsh Premier league derby between Cardiff City and Swansea is due on November 2 at the Cardiff City Stadium with the return fixture on February 8.

The season ends on May 11, when United is at Southampton, Chelsea travels to Cardiff, Arsenal visits Norwich, and City hosts West Ham.

The FA Cup final has been moved back to after the end of the league season with the match scheduled for May 17.

Since 2010, the traditional finale to the season has had to share the spotlight with a weekend of league fixtures and last year's winner, Wigan Athletic, still had a relegation battle to fight.

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