by Our Sports Desk

THE Premier League fixture list handed champions Chelsea a home tie against Swansea as they look to win back-to-back title for the first time since 2006.

Jose Mourinho’s men finished eight points ahead of the rest in 2014-15 and will begin a bid for a repeat showing against Garry Monk’s side when everything gets under way on August 8.

Manchester United’s home game with Tottenham is the stand-out clash of the opening weekend though, with Louis van Gaal’s men expected to be stronger in his second season in charge.

Liverpool will have an immediate chance to banish memories of their 6-1 drubbing at Stoke on the final day of last season, after being selected to go back to the Stanley Matthews Way on day one of the new campaign.

Manchester City start out on the road at West Brom, while Arsenal kick-off against new West Ham boss Slaven Bilic at Ashburton Grove.

Promoted Bournemouth begin life in the top flight at home to Aston Villa, with fellow newcomers Watford and new manager Quique Sanchez Flores at Everton. Play-off winners Norwich — who handed Alex Neil a new deal yesterday — host Crystal Palace.

Elsewhere on day one, Steve McClaren — one of three new bosses — starts out as Newcastle manager against Southampton at St James’ Park and Leicester are at home to Sunderland with Dick Advocaat remaining in charge.

Liverpool face a difficult set of opening away fixtures, travelling to Stoke, Arsenal, Manchester United, Everton, Tottenham, Chelsea and Manchester City.

Meanwhile, the first Manchester derby of the season comes at Old Trafford on October 24 with McClaren’s first taste of the north-east rivalry with Sunderland will come at home on the same day.

The first Merseyside derby is set for October 3 at Anfield, with November 7 the date for the first meeting between Arsenal and Tottenham.

The season runs to May 15.