Football fixtures give West Ham a tough start

By Simon Hayes on June 17, 2010 1:14 PM |

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West Ham face a tough start to the new Premier League season after they were given a trip to Aston Villa on the opening day.

The Irons will travel to Villa Park on August 14 to face a team with Champions League ambitions. The Hammers then face their bogey team, Bolton, at home on August 28.

It does not get any easier after that, with a trip to Old Trafford on August 28, followed by a visit from Chelsea on September 11.

New manager Avram Grant will particularly relish that encounter with one of his former clubs, although he may have preferred a few more games under his belt as he beds in what is likely to be a much-changed Irons squad.

The Hammers will end the season with a home game against Sunderland on May 22.

Millwall begin life in the Championship with an away game at Bristol City on August 7, followed by a home fixture against relegated Hull City a week later.

It's then a meeting with Leeds at Elland Road, in what will undoubtedly be one of the most eagerly anticipated clashes of the season.

The Lions wrap up their season away to Barnsley on May 8.

Charlton, desperate for promotion from League One, start their campaign at home to Bournemouth, also on August 7, with their first away trip a week later against Leyton Orient.