A chance to get excited months before anything actually happens

Tottenham have finally been granted their wish to kick-off a Premier League campaign at home but Liverpool will be the visitors for their first opener at White Hart Lane since 2004.

Spurs fans can take some comfort though from the fact Arsenal have been given a challenging away game on the opening weekend against Everton.

Wolves are the only promoted side who start at home - against West Ham - and the last five to have done so have avoided defeat. Every new arrival who has opened their campaign on the road over the last three seasons has lost and Birmingham and Burnley face tough trips to Man United and Stoke.

Hull took a point at Stamford Bridge last season but could be cannon fodder on August 15/16 because Chelsea have won their opening game in each of the last seven seasons.

Elsewhere, Blackburn host Man City, Wigan visit Aston Villa, Steve Bruce’s Sunderland travel to Bolton and Portsmouth face Fulham at Fratton Park.

Newcastle’s first game as a Championship side is away to West Brom while Charlton’s League One opener is at home to Wycombe, who won at The Valley in the Carling Cup 30 months ago when three divisions separated them.