Carlo Ancelotti will start his career at Stamford Bridge with a home clash against Hull on the opening weekend of the Premier League season.

The Italian boss, who officially takes charge at Chelsea on 1 July, has been handed a relatively easy run of games to begin his spell in English football.

After entertaining Hull, who held the Blues to a goalless draw at Stamford Bridge last season, Ancelotti does not meet a Big Four side until 3 October, when they host Liverpool.

Chelsea will meet Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on 7 November and travel to Old Trafford on 3 April.

Arsenal face a stiffer opening test with a tricky trip to Everton and then a visit to Manchester United on 29 August.

Arsene Wenger must also negotiate a horrific run of games at the end of January, which sees the Gunners clash with Aston Villa, Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool.

Tottenham enjoy perhaps the most glamorous game of the first weekend as they entertain Liverpool.

The season's first north London derby comes on Halloween at Emirates Stadium, with the reverse fixture on 10 April.

West Ham open with a visit to newly promoted Wolves before entertaining Aston Villa, while trips to Chelsea and Arsenal on consecutive weekends in mid March will certainly test Gianfranco Zola's squad.

Fulham begin by visiting Portsmouth but fans will already be relishing their Christmas schedule, which includes games against Manchester United, Tottenham and Chelsea.

Champions Manchester United, meanwhile, begin the defence of their Premier League crown with games against two of the new-boys, at home to Birmingham and away at Burnley and manager Alex Ferguson will expect a 100 per cent start despite the loss of Cristiano Ronaldo to Real Madrid.

Club-by-club Premiership fixtures 2009/10