Big matches picked for TV coverage

Albion's return to Premier League action against champions Chelsea will be live on TV – as both Black Country derbies were moved on the request of Police.

Baggies boss Roberto Di Matteo's return to Stamford Bridge to face his former club has been selected by ESPN for their 5.30pm kick-off slot, when the new campaign kicks off on Saturday August 14.

But both the home and away games against Wolves – the first in the top flight for 26 years – have been moved on the request of the police to Sunday December 18 (2pm) at the Hawthorns and Sunday May 8 (1pm) at Molineux.

Albion will have to wait until November for their first Sky game when they visit Blackpool on Monday November 1 (8pm) but their trip to West Ham a week later on Tuesday November 9 will also be screened.

Wolves' clash with Villa has been switched to Sunday, September 26 with a 2.05pm kick-off, with Mick McCarthy's men also on the box on Monday October 4 for the trip to Wigan (8pm).

In addition to their Wolves visit, Villa's games against Everton, Stoke, Manchester United and Arsenal will also be televised, while Birmingham are the first of the West Midlands teams up on Sky when they face Bolton at the Reebok Stadium on Sunday, August 29 in a 1.30pm kick-off.

Villa's games against Newcastle and Chelsea will also be screened on ESPN.

Tottenham's game against Manchester City will mark the start of the new season in the lunch-time kick-off, followed by Liverpool versus Arsenal on the Sunday.

The return of 'Ford Monday Night Football' sees Manchester United tackle Newcastle on August 16.

Wolves: -

Sunday September 26: Villa (H) 2.05pm – SKY.

Monday October 4: Wigan (A) 8pm (subject to change) – SKY.

Wednesday November 10: Arsenal (A) 7.45pm.

Sunday December 12: Blues (H) 1.30pm – Police Request.

Sunday December 19 Albion (A) 2pm – Police Request.

Sunday May 1 Birmingham (A) 12pm – Police Request.

Sunday May 8 Albion (H) 1pm – Police Request.

Albion: -

Saturday August 14: Chelsea (A) 5.30pm – ESPN.

Monday November 1: Blackpool (A) 8pm – SKY.