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.