Premier League: City begins ‘title’ defence against Southampton
Premier League 2011-12 champions Manchester City... can they do it again?
Premier League title holders Manchester City will begin their ‘title’ defence in the new season with a home match against newly promoted side Southampton.
The city rivals fought until the last day of the 2011-12 season, when Roberto Mancini’s men clinched the title from Sir Alex Ferguson’s boys. While United men will fight hard to win the title, City will try to defend their first Premier League Championship title this season.
The two teams from the same city have fought each other several times in numerous leagues, but Manchester United has emerged as one of the most powerful sides in league football. United have won the Premier League 12 times, the most championships by any side in the history of the League since its inception in 1992.
United begin the tournament against Everton in an away-match. Arsenal, placed third in the previous season, begin against Sunderland with a home-game.
The Blues will begin their chase afresh with Roberto di Matteo opening as a permanent Chelsea manager and will take on Wigan in their League opener. Tottenham Hotspurs, currently manager less after Harry Redknapp was sacked by boss Daniel Levy, will take on Europa rivals Newcastle at the Sports Direct Arena.
Liverpool will host some exciting openers with West Brom, Manchester City, Arsenal and Manchester United being the first four visitors at Anfield.
The relegated West Ham return to the Premier League with an opener against Aston Villa. Fulham and Norwich will be another interesting first-day opener at Craven Cottage.
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Reporting daily on the big moves surrounding Premier League football clubs from the North including Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool, Newcastle and Everton. Frequent updates covering transfer gossip and team injury news in my daily column. For immediate updates add my to your Google+ Football Expert circle.
