Defending champions Ajax will start the new Eredivisie campaign away to De Graafschap after the KNVB announced the provisional fixture list for the 2011/12 season.

The season will begin on Friday 5 August with a derby clash between Excelsior and Feyenoord before the full weekend of fixtures commences. Excelsior kept their place in the Dutch top flight after successfully navigating the promotion/relegation play-offs.

Ajax, who won their 30th title last season, travel to De Graafschap two days later while runners-up FC Twente are away at NAC Breda on the same day. One of the most notable games of the opening weekend sees PSV Eindhoven go to AZ Alkmaar - the two clubs finishing third and fourth respectively last season - while promoted RKC Waalwijk start their Eredivisie journey at home to Heracles Almelo.

The KNVB will announce the full, ratified fixtures next week although there are not expected to be many changes.