Luiz Felipe Scolari will start his reign as Chelsea manager at Stamford Bridge against FA Cup winners Portsmouth.

The Brazilian, whose contract begins on 1 July, will have seven weeks to prepare his new-look squad for the club's opening Premier League fixture on either 16 or 17 August.

Harry Redknapp's side proved a tricky opponent for the Blues last season, narrowly losing 1-0 in west London in August and drawing 1-1 at Fratton Park in February.

In other opening- day matches, revealed today as the Premier League and Football League published their 2008- 09 fixtures, Arsenal are at home to promoted West Brom, Tottenham travel to Middlesbrough, West Ham host Wigan and Fulham are the visitors for Hull City's first topflight-clash. Manchester United begin their title defence at home to Newcastle.

Season highlights include United travelling to Chelsea on 20 September before visiting Arsenal on 8 November. Chelsea are at home to the Gunners on 29 November with the return set for 9 May.

Tottenham travel to Stamford Bridge on 30 August, while the north London derbies are on

28 October at Emirates Stadium and at White Hart Lane on 7 February.

The Football League kicks off a week before the top flight and Queens Park Rangers start at home to Barnsley.

Elsewhere on the second tier's opening day, Crystal Palace host Watford and Charlton entertain Swansea.