Manchester City begin the defence of their English Premier League title away to Newcastle then face Liverpool at home.

The 2014-15 league fixtures were announced on Wednesday.

Manchester United, with new Dutch manager Louis van Gaal, has a favourable start, playing all three newly promoted sides in their opening five games.

United play Chelsea on Oct. 25, before taking on City away on Nov. 1, and on Nov. 22 are at home to Arsenal.

After facing City, Liverpool have another difficult away game against Tottenham. They host Merseyside rivals Everton on Sept. 27 and encounter United for the first time at Old Trafford on Dec. 13.

Chelsea play Arsenal on Oct. 4, when new signing Cesc Fabregas will face his former club.