GEORGE BURLEY will be on familiar territory when Saints kick off their 2006/7 campaign with a trip to Derby County.

Burley managed the Rams before arriving at Saints via Hearts but his side have been given a tough opening six weeks in the Championship, although they have the consolation of three of the five matches in August being at St Mary's.

After Derby on August 5, when Burley will be hoping to at least equal last season's point from a 2-2 draw, Coventry will be the first team to visit St Mary's four days later.

Much of Saints' under achievement last term was down to too many draws they notched up 19 throughout the campaign so a repeat of the 1-1 scoreline with the Sky Blues would not be a welcome result.

Bryan Robson brings his relegated West Brom down to the south coast on August 12 and Saints travel to Championship newcomers Barnsley on the 19th.

It's back to St Mary's a week later to face Preston and another opportunity wipe out the memory of a draw from last season.

Trips to Ipswich and Crystal Palace follow while festive fixtures include the return clash against Palace on Boxing Day and Plymouth away on January 1, 2007.

Pompey start the Premiership campaign with a home clash against Blackburn.

Harry Redknapp's team will be hoping to get off to a good start before a run of tough away games hits them with Spurs, Chelsea, Manchester United, Newcastle, Liverpool, Arsenal, West Ham and Bolton all lying in wait before the turn of the year.

The Blues also have a tough finish to the season with Liverpool at home, Everton away and a final day clash against Arsenal at Fratton Park on May 13.

In League 1, Cherries start with a home game against Chesterfield.