Louis van Gaal faces a difficult winter in his debut campaign at Old Trafford, while their Anfield rivals have the chance to test their title credentials early on

Manchester United fans will not have to wait long to see Louis van Gaal’s new-look Red Devils put to the test after the 2014-15 Premier League season kicks off.
The fixtures have been announced and, while United take on Swansea City on the opening weekend of August 16-17, they face a gruelling schedule as the festive period approaches.

Van Gaal welcomes Chelsea to Old Trafford on October 25 before making the short trip to the Etihad Stadium to face rivals Manchester City just a week later on November 1.

Then, on November 22, United take on Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in what is sure to be a gruelling four weeks which could go some way to shaping the title race.

Liverpool will have the opportunity to measure up against City after running them close for the title last season when they visit Manuel Pellegrini’s men on August 23.

September 27 is pencilled in as derby day, as Mauricio Pochettino gets his first taste of the north London rivalry when Tottenham clash with Arsenal at the Emirates, while Liverpool welcome Everton to Anfield.

Cesc Fabregas is more than familiar with Premier League rivalries and Chelsea’s hosting of Arsenal on October 4 will have some added spice this season as the former Gunner makes his return to England and faces his old club, having moved to Stamford Bridge from Barcelona.

The new year kicks off with another derby as Tottenham entertain Fabregas’s Chelsea on January 1, 2015.

And on March 21 it’s the big one; Manchester United visit Anfield to face Liverpool in a game which never disappoints.

The final month of the season once again boasts some potential title-deciders, as Liverpool face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. Both sides will hope to still be in the title picture, with Brendan Rodgers eager to avoid another near miss after Jose Mourinho’s men went some way to denying them the trophy.

And if Arsenal can last the course this season, their meeting with Manchester United at Old Trafford on May 16 could prove decisive ahead of the final day of the season on May 24.