The 2021/2022 Danske Bank Premiership fixture schedule can now be revealed by the NI Football League.

With a later start date after last year’s marathon season, the Premiership will return to action with a bang on Saturday 28 August.

Fans can also look forward to the return of the traditional festive fixtures with a suite of derby games on Monday 27 December, with the final pre-split games taking place on Saturday 26 March 2022.

Champions Linfield start the season at home to Crusaders – while new Carrick Rangers boss Stuart King travels to Solitude for his first league game against Cliftonville.

There is a massive Mid-Ulster derby to kick the campaign off between Portadown and Glenavon at Shamrock Park.

Elsewhere fresh from European action, Larne welcome Coleraine to Inver Park, Glentoran travel to Dungannon Swifts and finally Warrenpoint Town host Ballymena United.

Danske Bank Premiership - Matchday One - Saturday 28 August 2021

Cliftonville v Carrick Rangers
Dungannon Swifts v Glentoran
Larne v Coleraine
Linfield v Crusaders
Portadown v Glenavon
Warrenpoint Town v Ballymena United