Manchester United will begin its Premier League title defense on the road at West Brom.
The Red Devils and the other 19 teams in the Premier League found out their 2011-2012 paths as the league released its schedule for the upcoming season on Friday.
United's schedule doesn't get any easier after its season opener, as the club faces Tottenham, Arsenal and Chelsea within the first five weeks. All of those games will be played at Old Trafford, though.
The Tottenham-Everton clash during the opening weekend should be one of the more enticing season-opening matchups, as it could feature a head-to-head matchup of new Spurs goalkeeper Brad Friedel and Everton backstop Tim Howard.
Promoted teams Queens Park Rangers, Norwich City and Swansea City open up their Premier League campaigns vs. Bolton, at Wigan and at Manchester City, respectively.
Here are a few more stories from around the soccer world:
Inter Milan is in need of a coach again.
Leonardo has left Inter for French power Paris-St. Germain, according to Inter's CEO Ernesto Paolillo, leaving a vacancy at one of the world's top clubs.
The Brazilian coach took over for the fired Rafa Benitez at Inter in Decemeber, just months after Benitez replaced Jose Mourinho in the aftermath of Inter's 2010 UEFA Champions League championship run.
He righted the ship somewhat, guiding Inter to the Coppa Italia, UCL quarterfinals and second place in Serie A behind the team he used to manage, AC Milan.
MALAGA CONTINUES BUSY OFFSEASON
Malaga continues to make transfer moves in hopes of improving on last season's 11th-place finish in La Liga.
The club's latest signing is French international and former Lyon midfielder Jeremy Toulalan, who joins the Spanish club on a four-year deal.
Malaga has also signed Dutchmen Ruud van Nistelrooy and Joris Mathijsen and Spanish defender Nacho Monreal.
NEWCASTLE SIGNS BA
Demba Ba has joined Newcastle United on a three-year deal, ensuring that he stays in the Premier League after being part of a West Ham side that got relegated last season.
Ba showed well for West Ham, scoring seven times in 12 games
BEBE LOANED TO BESIKTAS
Manchester United has loaned Portuguese striker Bebe to Turkish club Besiktas for the 2011-2012 season.
Bebe failed to make a strong impression in his first season in England, falling way down on the depth chart at forward and only making seven appearances.
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Which Premier League teams do you see starting off strong, given the schedule? Do you see Leonardo finding success at PSG? Who do you think would be a good fit at Inter? Expect Malaga to compete in La Liga with its new signings? Do you like the signing for Newcastle? Do you see Bebe faring well in Turkey?
Share your thoughts below.
