Football fixtures 2010/11 revealed

The eagerly-anticipated first Premier League clash between Wolves and West Bromwich Albion will take place on December 18 at the Hawthorns.

Next season's fixtures, which were published today, bring the Black Country rivals together at the Hawthorns a week before Christmas for their first top-flight meeting in 26 years.

The pair will then lock horns at Molineux next May.

Albion boss Roberto Di Matteo will begin life as a Premier League boss back at champions Chelsea on August 14, while Wolves face an opening-day Staffordshire derby at home to Stoke.

Villa kick off their Premier League campaign at home to West Ham, while Birmingham travel to Sunderland to begin their second top-flight year under Alex McLeish.

The Second City rivals are scheduled to meet on October 30 at Villa Park and St Andrew's on January 15.

And the West Midlands can look forward to two 'double-derby weekends,' when Albion travel to Villa and Wolves entertain Blues on December 11 with the return fixtures scheduled for April 30.

Many of the derby dates are likely to change either for TV coverage or on police advice, but the West Midlands can still look forward to two 'triple-derby' periods with three local skirmishes in less than a fortnight.

Wolves and Albion have not met in the top flight since a goalless at Molineux in April 1984.

The schedule could also provide for a day of real tension at Molineux on May 7, if both sides are battling to preserve their Premier League status.

Wolves boss Mick McCarthy, speaking from his duties as a World Cup commentator in South Africa, said: "I know the fans will be looking forward to Albion being back in the division and those weeks with the games with Birmingham will be particularly exciting!"

Albion face a tough return to Premier League action with their first four away fixtures taking them to Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United.

The August 14 trip to Stamford Bridge will be an emotional home-coming for Di Matteo and assistant head coach Eddie Newton, who both won the FA Cup as popular Chelsea players.

The Baggies also have early home games against Sunderland, Tottenham and Birmingham.

Wolves have been handed a more promising first two months with home matches against Stoke, Newcastle and Villa along with trips to Everton, Fulham and Tottenham.

Villa follow the visit of the Hammers with a trip to Newcastle before hosting Everton. Blues travel to Sunderland and Bolton either side of a St Andrew's meeting with Blackburn.

The glamour fixtures of the opening weekend see Liverpool host Arsenal, while Manchester United entertain promoted Newcastle at Old Trafford.

Check out Thursday's Express & Star for all the fixtures.

Fixtures may be moved for television or on the request of the police.