And it doesn't get any easier after that, as the Hammers open their home campaign with a London derby against Chelsea on Wednesday, August 22 and follow that up with another Upton Park clash three days later against Leeds United.
The clash at Anfield will provide Roeder with the chance to become the first Hammers boss to win there since Ron Greenwood's side snatched a 2-1 victory back in September 1963, while recently-departed midfielder Frank Lampard will make an early return to Upton Park with his new Chelsea team-mates, and another ex-Hammer, Rio Ferdinand, will be back with David O'Leary's men.
The Hammers then face two consecutive away games at Derby County on September 8 and Middlesbrough on September 15, before home matches against Aston Villa and Newcastle United.
Our first London derby away from home is against Charlton Athletic on Saturday, November 17, while Tottenham Hotspur visit Upton Park a week later.
Derby are the visitors on Boxing Day, while New Year's Day provides - as with last season - a long trip up north, this time to face Leeds United.
The Easter weekend sees Ipswich Town visit the Boleyn Ground on Saturday March 30 and a short trip to Fulham on the Monday.
The Hammers will finish the season at home, with Bolton Wanderers the opponents on Saturday, May 11 - again a week after the FA Cup Final.
The full 2001-02 fixture list is available here.
Please note that all fixtures are subject to change, with alterations likely to made in the next seven days as Sky TV announce their live schedule.
The fixtures are copyright of the FA Premier League Ltd and The Football League Ltd 2001 and must not be reproduced without prior permission.
Cup Dates
Worthington Cup:
Second Round - Wed Sep 12
Third Round - Wed Oct 10
Fourth Round - Wed Nov 28
Quarter-Final - Wed Dec 12
Semi-Final first leg - Wed Jan 9
Semi-Final second leg - Wed Jan 23
Final - Sun Feb 24
FA Cup:
Third Round - Sat Jan 5
Fourth Round - Sat Jan 26
Fifth Round - Sat Feb 16
Quarter-Final - Sat Mar 9
Semi-Final - Sun Apr 14
Final - Sat May 4