The Gunners face Chelsea, Liverpool and Man City very early on

Anyone who likes to believe that fixtures really are generated over a five minute period just before they are announced had their vision crushed twice yesterday - first by the BBC revealing how they are collated and then by Sky Sports News, who leaked Arsenal’s first six matches.

A graphic displaying their supposed opening games* was briefly flashed on screen and they won’t be too happy with them. Instead of starting at home - as they have done in 13 of the last 17 seasons - they kick off away to West Ham and face Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City before the end of September.

The Gunners made a mess of a far easier start last season but can take comfort from the fact that on the four occasions that they have begun a Premier League campaign away, they have won the title twice and finished second twice.

*Of course, it’s also possible that they are a fabricated set that were created for a mock-up that should never have been aired.

Will the Big Four step out in these natty designs next term?

Those who do most of their clothes shopping at JJB Sports were literally giddy with excitement today, as Umbro released some teaser videos of the new England shirt that will receive its debut on Saturday.

Fuelled by this thrilling development, we decided to hunt around for designs of 2009/10 Premier League kits. Thanks to advancements in interweb technology, and how easy these advancements have made it to steal leaked photos, The Spoiler’s Richard Gilzene has gathered together and assessed prototype designs of what the Big Four may be wearing next season.

Enjoy, and prepare to laugh at the hideous garment Manchester Utd may be forced to wear while on tour…

Arsenal are keeping their current home shirt for the next campaign, but the garish canary yellow away has apparently been dumped in favour of a shade green of green that is bound to clash with the referee’s shirt. The last time the Gunners wore green on their travels was the 1982/93 season, when they finished 10th and got knocked out of both domestic cups at the semi-final stage, by Manchester Utd. An inspirational choice, then.

Our rating: C-, must try harder