NOTTINGHAM FOREST VS MILLWALL (SATURDAY, 4:45AM AEST)

The big talking point: Milllwall make a return to the Championship after a two-year absence. After overcoming Bradford in the League One Playoff Final, The Lions will look to get off to a good start against Nottingham Forest. Following the loss of Britt Assombalonga to Middlesbrough, Forest may have to look elsewhere for their attacking threat.

What will happen: Milllwall will dominate the opening exchanges but a revitalized Nottingham Forest will prevail over the 90 minutes as new signing, Daryl Murphy makes his competitive debut for Forest.

What won’t happen: A solid performance from Jamie Ward. The Forest winger will be out of action for about 6 weeks with a calf injury.

 

SUNDERLAND VS DERBY COUNTY (SATURDAY, 4:45AM AEST)

The big talking point: After relegation from the Premier League, Sunderland drop down to the Championship and face a stern test from a strong Championship side in Derby County. After last season’s poor showing in the Premier League, Sunderland have a lot to prove if they want to show any signs of returning to the promised land anytime soon.

What will happen: Sunderland will begin where they left off last season. Despite the arrival of new manager Simon Grayson from Preston North End, Sunderland fans shouldn’t be expecting too much from their side this season. The Black Cats will struggle, while promotion hopefuls Derby will look to teach the newcomers what Championship football is all about.

What won’t happen: Sunderland keeping a clean sheet. Their backline is yet to be addressed as they come into the new season. After a dismal season in the top flight, early signs don’t look any better for the Black Cats and they’ll struggle to contain Derby’s attacking force.


BRISTOL CITY VS BARNSLEY (SUNDAY, 12AM AEST)

The big talking point: Departure of leading marksman, Tammy Abraham. The 19-year-old Chelsea loanee bagged an impressive 23 goals for Bristol City. Without him, Lee Johnson’s men would most likely be preparing for a season in England’s third tier.

What will happen: A goal fest. With goals not hard to come by in previous meetings between the two sides, odds are that the trend will most likely continue. Australian International, Bailey Wright, is key to The Robins defence if they want to have any chance of keeping Barnsley quiet up front.

What won’t happen: A balanced game. Expect these two teams to play out a traditional Championship match. With plenty of goals for the fans, the contest will be nothing short of a thriller.

 

BURTON ALBION VS CARDIFF CITY (SUNDAY, 12AM AEST)

The big talking point: With both teams, having ended the previous season on a high, consistency will be key if they’re to achieve their respective goals come the end of the season. Having warded off interest from several Championship rivals, Cardiff manager, Neil Warnock will hope that his first-choice striker, Kenneth Zohore will continue his fine form in front of goal.

What will happen: Plenty of goals. With neither side having the best defensive records in the division, be sure to expect a high scoring game. Burton are a real threat with the likes of Australian midfielder Jackson Irvine dominating the middle of the park.

What won’t happen: A structured and compact game. With both sides notorious for their attacking abilities, expect the match to be an open affair as they look to capitalise on each other’s mistakes.

FULHAM VS NORWICH CITY (SUNDAY, 12AM AEST)

The big talking point: After managing to hold onto captain Tom Cairney and teen sensation Ryan Sessegnon, Fulham will look to kick on this season as they aim to achieve promotion back to the Premier League. With an overall goal haul of 85 last season, equal first with promoted Newcastle United, The Cottagers will hope that this is their year.

What will happen: Fulham will deliver an attacking masterclass. Norwich City could be in for a surprise as German manager Daniel Farke makes his competitive debut in the dugout for The Canaries. If Fulham are firing, he’ll be in for an uncomfortable afternoon in West London.

What won’t happen: A Cameron Jerome hat trick. Don’t expect a dominant performance from the Canaries striker as he’ll have to contend with the likes of Fulham’s Czech centre back Tomas Kalas.

 

IPSWICH TOWN VS BIRMINGHAM CITY (SUNDAY, 12AM AEST)

The big talking point: Harry Redknapp, Birmingham manager. The Blues will look a new side as they buy into Redknapp’s style of play. After a nail biting end to the season, Birmingham will look to put last year’s battle behind them and hope that they’re challenging at the top end of the table come the run in towards the end of the season.

What will happen: A structured and well planned performance. Despite playing away at Portman Road, The Blues will dominate proceedings and inflict more damage on an Ipswich side which has struggled for results.

What won’t happen: Birmingham fans not vocalising their support for Harry Redknapp throughout the match. Be sure to hear Birmingham fans in full voice as they cheer on their beloved ‘Arry and look ahead to what should be a promising season for the Midlands outfit.

 

PRESTON NORTH END VS SHEFFIELD WEDNESDAY (SUNDAY, 12AM AEST)

The big talking point: With the arrival of Scottish manager Alex Neil, Preston North End will look to build upon what they achieved last season. After finishing in a respectable 11th, they’ll look to push on for a possible play-off place. Similarly, Sheffield Wednesday will look to exceed their position last year as they aim for one of the coveted automatic promotion places.

What will happen: Wednesday will edge it over Preston. With the likes of Steven Fletcher and Gary Hooper up front for Wednesday, they’ll be sure to cause a headache for the PNE defence, who’ll struggle to contain the experienced duo. Expect to see a strong performance from new arrival George Boyd, a tireless work horse for Burnley in the Premier League over the past few seasons, he’ll look to maintain his work rate as he prepares for a grueling season in The Championship.

What won’t happen: A comfortable Sheffield win. Despite a relative lack of depth compared to their Championship rivals, Preston will provide The Owls stern competition as they look to get off to a positive start in front of their fans.

 

QUEENS PARK RANGERS VS READING (SUNDAY, 12AM AEST)

The big talking point: Will Reading bounce back after last season’s heartbreak in the playoff final? After their penalty shootout loss to Huddersfield Town, The Royals will be looking to move on and maintain the good form which led them so close to the top flight last season.

What will happen: The Royals will struggle to break down a revitalized QPR side. Despite languishing in the bottom half of the table all last season, Ian Holloway’s men will look to get off to a good start. With the welcome return of defender Steven Caulker, The R’s will remain resolute in defence and frustrate Reading’s attack.

What won’t happen: A Reading win. Despite some amazing results away from The Madejski last season e.g. the 7-1 brawling of Norwich City at Carrow Road, history says that this match will be a tight affair which could swing in favour of either side.

SHEFFIELD UNITED VS BRENTFORD (SUNDAY, 12AM AEST)

The big talking point: Sheffield United return to the Championship. After finishing first in League One with a point tally of 100, The Blades will look to get off to a good start against a stubborn Brentford side.

What will happen: Billy Sharp will score. The Blades striker was top scorer in League One with 30 goals and will undoubtedly look to showcase his talent in The Championship.

What won’t happen: A poor attendance. After a few seasons in League One, Sheffield fans will come out in force to support their team as they return to life in the Championship.

 

WOLVERHAMPTON WANDERERS VS MIDDLESBROUGH (SUNDAY, 12AM AEST)

The big talking point: £15.8 million signing Ruben Neves. Wolves' record signing from Porto will look to hit the ground running at Molineux as he looks to justify why they were willing to invest that kind of money in him. Opponents Middlesbrough will also hope to justify their new £15 million signing Britt Assombalonga from Nottingham Forest.

What will happen: Goals, goals, goals! With both sides, not short of attacking talent expect both defences to be stretched to their limits. With both managers keen to get off to a winning start at their respective clubs, Boro’s Garry Monk might just have what it takes to overcome his Portuguese counterpart Nuno Espirito Santo.

What won’t happen: A boring 0-0 draw. Both managers will be keen to impress their new employers and will do whatever it takes to get the three points. Should be a great game from the neutral perspective.

 

ASTON VILLA VS HULL CITY (SUNDAY, 2:30AM AEST)

The big talking point: Aston Villa’s new captain, John Terry. After leaving Chelsea at the end of last season, Terry was willing to drop down a division into the Championship and prove his worth at the ripe old age of 36. This match has all the signs of a blockbuster as Villa manager Steve Bruce prepares to face his former employers for the first time since his controversial departure.

What will happen: Steve Bruce will get his revenge. With some quality pickups over the course of the transfer window, Villa are going into the new season with renewed hope as they aim to achieve a return to the top flight. They’ll most likely dominate a new look Hull side, managed by former Russian manager Leonid Slutsky.

What won’t happen: A repeat of last year. Villa fans can expect a place in the playoffs come May. Steve Bruce is arguably one of the most experienced managers in the Championship, having guided opponents, Hull City to the Premier League twice in 2014 and 2016 he also led Birmingham into the Premier League back in 2007.

 

BOLTON WANDERERS VS LEEDS UNITED (MONDAY, 1:30AM AEST)

The big talking point: The preseason departure of Leeds manager, Garry Monk. Having led Leeds to a respectable 7th placed finish last season, Monk departed for Championship rivals Middlesbrough in June. Will Leeds continue to play the same attacking brand of football or do the fans once again have reason for concern for their beloved club.

What will happen: Chris Wood will get on the scoresheet for United. The New Zealand International was in sparkling form in front of goal last season. If Leeds want any chance of recapturing their form from last season, Wood must be on the pitch and doing what he does best – score goals.

What won’t happen: A Bolton win. Newly promoted, Bolton Wanderers need to be wary as they return to life in the Championship. With a perceived lack of depth, Bolton will struggle to compete with many teams in the division.