WANDERERS, whose dream start - a 5-0 win at Leicester - laid the foundation for last season's successful survival mission have an opening day away game again when the new Premiership season kicks off on August 17.

They face Fulham, but not at Craven Cottage - the Cottagers are using QPR's Loftus Road for two seasons while their ground is rebuilt.

The Fulham game is followed by a home game against Charlton, a midweek trip to Newcastle and a home game against Aston Villa.

In September they meet the big three - Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal - in successive games in the space of 11 days.

"A nice easy start as usual," Allardyce reacted, tongue in cheek.

Wanderers travel to Sir Alex Ferguson's citadel on Wednesday, September 11 with the return fixture at the Reebok on February 22.

The much-anticipated clashes with local rivals Blackburn are set for the Reebok on December 7 and Ewood Park on April 21 and the derby duels with newly-promoted Manchester City are scheduled for Saturday, November 30 at Maine Road with the return on April 5.

The new fixture list is subject to change when 'live' television schedules are drawn up.