Kevin MacDonald's side travel to face Chelsea at Brentford FC on Monday 24th August in their opening fixture of the campaign as they begin the task of attempting to retain their title.

Villa won the southern section last season and then beat northern division winners Sunderland 3-1 in the play-off at Villa Park.

trophy decider

Goals by Nathan Delfouneso, James Collins and Shane Lowry clinched the trophy for the home side with Martyn Waghorn replying for the visitors.

That made up for the disappointment a year earlier when they were beaten by Liverpool in the trophy decider.

Sunderland will hope to emulate them this season. They begin their challenge away to Wigan Athletic at the Robin Park Arena on Tuesday 25th July.

Newcomers Wolverhampton Wanderers play their first match in the southern section against Portsmouth at Telford on the same night.

New-boys Burnley begin away to Everton but their first home fixture is against local rivals Blackburn Rovers at Accrington Stanley on 2nd September.

And Birmingham City start against Arsenal at St Andrews on 31st August.

Click here to view all the Barclays Premier Reserve League fixtures.