Ferdinand, Le Saux and more: Twitter reacts to fixture list

Manchester City will face Southampton as Roberto Mancini’s side begin the defence of their English top flight crown at the Etihad Stadium on 18 August.

The Premier League fixture list was revealed on Monday, with runners-up Manchester United facing a tough trip to Goodison Park, while new Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers will take on former Reds assistant Steve Clarke at The Hawthorns on the opening day.

Here, we take a look at some of the reaction of players and supporters to their clubs’ opening Premier League fixture next season.

Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand ‏(@rioferdy5) is eagerly anticipating a trip to Goodison Park: “Everton away first day of the season – a solid start that but we will be raring to go!”

Former Southampton defender Graeme Le Saux (‏@graemelesaux14)is excited to see the Saints back in the top flight: “Great to see @SouthamptonFC_ in the 2012/13 @premierleague fixture list, even if first game is against #man_city.”

While current Saints defender Billy Sharp (‏@billysharp10) gets his reward for promotion: “WOW welcome to the Premier League.”

Former Crystal Palace striker Mark Bright (‏@Mark__Bright) reckons the Saints better start preparing for the City clash now: “I bet the Southampton players are back in training tomorrow, reward for a great season, the champions away, Man City v Southampton.”

Celebrity Arsenal supporter Piers Morgan (‏@piersmorgan) wants Arsène Wenger to secure the futures of Robin van Persie and Theo Walcott ahead of a difficult start: “Six of #Arsenal ‘s first 10 games in new season are away – including Liverpool, City, Chelsea, United. Re-sign @Persie_Official & Walcott NOW.”

West Brom midfielder Steven Reid (@stevenreid12) is delighted with a home tie against Liverpool: “Liverpool at home -Great fixture!!Tough two games to start again…best league in the World!”

Aston Villa goalkeeper Ian Taylor (‏@IanTaylor7) seems pleased with an opening day trip to Upton Park: “West Ham away for #avfc then!! Nice one to start? #openingday”

On a sombre note, former Liverpool striker Neil Mellor (‏@NeilMellor33) gives an insight into life after football: “Very tough day seeing fixtures released. I always looked at first and last game and where we were playing Boxing Day so could be at home Christmas.”

It sparks a response from current free agent Clarke Carlisle ‏@clarkecarlisle5: “@NeilMellor33 really feeling for you Mells. I was feeling sorry for myself being without a club, just gave me a dose of perspective #Blessings.”

Manchester United supporter Sujina Begum ‏(@sujinab) is pleased with their start: “Everton, Fulham, Southampton first three games for Man United – hmm not bad. #PositiveStart!”

However, Dale Boardman (‏@DaleBoardy1990) considers it less than ideal: “Tough start for #MUFC – Everton away! Bring on next season and get back what belongs to us.”

Andy McLean (‏@andymc_69) believes a victory at Everton would be a big statement: “Everton away – we will have to hit the ground running nice to get a win there to put down a marker for the season. #mufc”

While Matthew Stuart (‏@Elecsec) can see the Saints struggling at the Etihad: “Poor Southampton first game back in Premier League is against Man City.”

And Mitch Galvin (‏@GalvinHarris) does not hold much hope for Southampton: “Southampton is trending due to the fact they are going to get absolutely demolished by City first game.”

But Ben Cross (‏@BCross93) is much more optimistic: “Southampton will do a job at the Etihad on the first day of the season and will get at least a point. You heard it here first.”

Liverpool supporter Michael Oti Adjei ‏(@OtiAdjei) is not happy with his team’s start: “Arsenal, Manchester City and Manchester United visit Anfield in first five games of new season. Tough start for Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool.”

Either is Calvin ‏(@CalvinPharar): “Liverpool’s first three home fixtures of the season are: Manchester City, Arsenal and then United. Which idiot thought that up?”

And Arsenal fan Liam Cope ‏(@GunnerLJC) is concerned by his side’s tough run of fixtures: “@1DarrenTulett: Six of Arsenal’s first 10 games in new season are away – including Liverpool, Man City, Chelsea & Man United. And Stoke.”

While Gunners supporter Andrew Knight (‏@RooKnight) has earmarked September and January as tough months for Arsène Wenger’s side: “September and January are huge months for Arsenal. Six of eight games against top teams. Fairly comfortable run-in though.”

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