New ManU Manager Louis van Gaal "will be able to ease himself into his new role" after he was "given an early boost with the release of the Premier League fixture list," according to Luke Edwards of the London TELEGRAPH. ManU will start its new era with a home game against Swansea City and a visit to Sunderland, before a trip to newly promoted Burnley and a home game against "another side returning to the top" flight in Queens Park Rangers (TELEGRAPH, 6/18). In London, James Riach reported Man City begins defense of its Premier League title at Newcastle United. Man City will "then play Liverpool at home the following weekend." The first north London derby of the season "is scheduled for the Emirates Stadium" on Sept. 27 before "a return fixture at White Hart Lane in February.'' Boxing Day "provides some intriguing duels," including two London derbies. Arsenal is at home to QPR, while Chelsea hosts West Ham (GUARDIAN, 6/18). For the Premier League's entire '14-15 fixture list, click here.
SPL FIXTURES RELEASED: The Scotland DAILY RECORD reported new Scottish Premiership side Celtic Manager Ronny Deila "will have to wait longer than expected" for his debut. In the new fixtures announced Wednesday morning, the defending champions "were drawn at home to Partick Thistle" on Aug. 9 but, owing to the Commonwealth Games, the clash "has already been postponed." The rest of the schedule "does go ahead on the opening weekend, though," with newly-promoted Dundee and Hamilton at home to Kilmarnock and Inverness respectively, while Aberdeen hosts Dundee United (DAILY RECORD, 6/18). For the Scottish Premiership's entire '14-15 fixture list, click here.
