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.