PREMIER LEAGUE champions Manchester City will begin the defence of their title at West Ham in the final match of the opening weekend’s fixtures, it was announced today.

Pep Guardiola’s side will start their bid for a fifth championship in six seasons at the London Stadium at 4.30pm on Sunday August 7, after all their rivals have begun their campaigns.

Main rivals Liverpool go to Fulham in the Saturday lunchtime match, which pitches the Reds’ new signing Fabio Carvalho against his old club first up.