The Italian, who is fondly remembered by Blues fans for two FA Cup final goals, yesterday discovered his Baggies side will travel to Chelsea when the Blues open the defence of their title on August 14.

"It's certainly a challenging start," Di Matteo said on West Brom's official website, www.wba.co.uk.

"But having the chance to play at grounds like Stamford Bridge, Anfield, the Emirates Stadium and Old Trafford is exactly what we battled so hard for last season.

"It will be the coaching staff's job to get the players as best prepared as possible for the challenges that lie ahead.

"We'll certainly need to hit the ground running as opening fixtures don't come much tougher than Chelsea away.

"They finished last season with an 8-0 win and have got top quality throughout their squad, but we will go there with a plan with a view to giving them a real game.

"Of course, going back to Stamford Bridge will be a special occasion, but we will all be fully focused on one thing - getting a result for Albion."

The holders have to wait until October 2 for their first match against one of the big four clubs, when they face Arsenal at home, with the return fixture on Boxing Day.

Carlo Ancelotti's side first play Manchester United on December 18, with the two squaring up at Old Trafford on May 7 - the Blues' penultimate away fixture.

United, runners-up in 2009/10, also start with a home match against a newly-promoted team - Newcastle.

Newly-promoted Blackpool are United's last-day opponents on May 22 - eight days after the FA Cup final.

Seasiders boss Ian Holloway said on Sky Sports News: "That will be nice if we could celebrate staying up.

"I am sure Sir Alex (Ferguson) has already sent me a letter telling me to bring some good red wine."

Liverpool start the post-Rafael Benitez era with a home match against Arsenal, while Tottenham and Manchester City meet at White Hart Lane.

Blackpool, who booked their place in the Premier League with victory over Cardiff in the Championship play-off final, are rewarded with a home start - against local rivals Wigan. Their next match is a daunting trip to Arsenal.

Elsewhere on the opening day, Aston Villa face West Ham and Everton travel to Blackburn.

Steve Bruce's Sunderland are at home to Birmingham - one of the clubs he previously managed.

Wolves and Stoke clash at Molineux, while Bolton and Europa League runners-up Fulham meet in the north west.