Joey Dunn's side will make the trip to South Manchester for their first game in the Premier Division following Widnes' title winning campaign in the Hallmark Security League First Division last season.

A quick turnaround follows for Widnes who host Abbey Hey 48 hours later as Monday Night Football returns to the Select Security Stadium on Monday 14th August.

With FA Cup Preliminary Round fixtures tentatively scheduled for Saturday 19th August, Widnes return to league action over the Bank Holiday Weekend with two games.

Ashton Athletic visit the Select Security Stadium on Saturday 26th August before Widnes travel to Winsford United on Bank Holiday Monday (Monday 28th August), 3pm kick-off.

Widnes visited St Luke's Barton Stadium last season as Kev Towey's extra time winner saw Dunn's men advance to the last eight of the Macron Cup with a 2-1 win.

The announcement of Widnes' opening league fixtures follows the news on Friday that Widnes will host Handsworth Parramore in the FA Cup Extra Preliminary Round on Saturday 5th August, with the winners travelling to Parkgate or Barnton in the Preliminary Round on Saturday 19th August.