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Manchester City have been handed a tough start to their Premier League title defence.

They start with a trip to Newcastle on the opening day before games against Liverpool (h), Stoke (h), Arsenal (a) and Chelsea (h).

Manuel Pellegrini's side play West Brom away on Boxing Day, Sunderland at home on New Year's Day and Southampton at home on the final day of the season.

The first Manchester derby will be at the Etihad Stadium on November 1. The derby at Old Trafford has been scheduled for April 11.

After a difficult start, City at least have the consolation of a more comfortable run-in.

They are at home on the final day of the season against Southampton. It follows games against West Ham (h), Aston Villa (h), Tottenham (a), QPR (h) and Swansea (a).

City face Arsenal at the Emirates before their first Champions League group game on September 16 or 17.

Their other games before European matches are Hull (a), Tottenham (h), United (h), Swansea (h) and Everton (h).

City's Christmas schedule includes games against Crystal Palace (h), West Brom (a), Burnley (h) and Sunderland (h).

Pellegrini will also have to contend with the African Cup of Nations in January. He could lose Yaya Toure for the tournament, set to be hosted in Morocco between January 17 and February 8.

The Ivory Coast midfielder could miss Arsenal at home on January 17 and Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on January 31.