BLACKBURN Rovers face a daunting start to the new season after the fixture list threw up testing games against Arsenal and Manchester United in the opening fortnight.

Graeme Souness's side will open up with a home game against newly-promoted West Brom on August 14 at Ewood.

Then they make the long trip to Southampton on the following Saturday before Arsenal lie in wait at Highbury on August 24.

Four days later, Manchester United then head for Ewood, where Rovers will be looking to record a third straight home victory over Sir Alex Ferguson's side.

There was good news for fans in terms of the Christmas period.

Rovers are at home to Newcastle on Boxing Day and they will then make the short trip to the Reebok on December 28 for a local derby with Sam Allardyce's Bolton Wanderers, who return to Ewood on January 22.

Souness's side will complete the programme with an away game against Spurs on May 14.

Rovers' chief executive, John Williams, said: "It's a difficult start. Looking at the first six games as a block, the three away from home are tricky.

"It's interesting that the computer has thrown up another home game against a newly-promoted side on the first day of the new season.

"But experience tells us there are no easy games at this level."