Jurgen Klopp will aim to compete for the Premier League title in his first full season at Anfield, and his hopes have been boosted by the easiest run-in on paper. With a solitary win and two draws from their last nine attempts, the Baggies may feel they are due a bit of luck.
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But that is far from the most eye-catching fixture on a first day of a new season that has several sub-plots.
Sam Allardyce is eager to start the new Premier League campaign after speaking to the Black Cats’ official website, and is already relishing his first fixture of the season.
Southampton then come to the Emirates after the September worldwide break before Arsenal will take on newly-promoted Hull City the following week.
The Black Cats’ opening-day trip to the Etihad Stadium will mark Pep Guardiola’s first game in English football, with the former Barcelona and Bayern Munich manager taking charge of the Citizens from 1 July.
New Chelsea boss Antonio Conte will welcome West Ham United to Stamford Bridge for a massive London derby to start the new season, while Everton is at home to last season’s runner-up Tottenham Hotspur in another standout fixture.
Southampton hosts Watford and Crystal Palace takes on West Bromwich Albion to round off the opening games on 14 August (AEST). Red Devils will play their first match against Bournemouth.
Another major is on November 5 at the Emirates, a week before Arsenal will take on Manchester United at Old Trafford.
The other promoted teams, Burnley and Middlesbrough, also have opening day home fixtures to look forward to, against Swansea City and Stoke City respectively.
Middlesbrough’s start is the 12th toughest thanks to meetings with Stoke (9th), Sunderland (17th), West Brom (14th), Palace (15th), Everton (11th), Spurs (3rd) and West Ham (7th).
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The drastic managerial shake-up in the Premier League means Chelsea also venture into a new era with Antonio Conte, now in charge of Italy at Euro 2016, at the helm.
