The new season is on the horizon
Next season's fixture list for the Football League have been released today, with a whole host of captivating ties certain to excite fans of Championship, League One and League Two sides.
The most eye-catching fixture on the opening day in the Championship is undeniably Leeds United against Stoke City, both of whom will be hoping for good starts under their new managers.
The other relegated sides - West Bromwich Albion and Swansea City - will face Bolton Wanderers and Sheffield United respectively.
Newly-promoted Wigan Athletic will host Sheffield Wednesday, while Blackburn Rovers and Rotherham United will face Ipswich Town and Brentford respectively.
The stand out games on the opening day in League One will see newly-promoted Luton Town face Portsmouth, who missed out on last season's play-offs but will look to go one better this season, while relegated Sunderland will look to get their season off to a good start with a win against another former Premier League side, Charlton Athletic.
https://twitter.com/EFL/status/1009707495563169792
In League Two, Tranmere will face Stevenage in their return to the Football League, while Macclesfield Town play Swindon Town.
The new season represents an important point for a number of Championship sides.
All of West Bromwich Albion, Stoke City and Swansea City - previously established Premier League sides - will look to bounce back instantly and avoid the travails of sides that have been relegated to the Championship and stayed there, or worse, drop further.
The new season will also see the beginning of the Marcelo Bielsa era at Elland Road, which is expected to provide a number of interesting moments. The appointment of the Argentine coach sees the combination of one of England's most volatile clubs with one of football's most volatile managers, and if nothing else will provide entertainment.
For a full list of next season's fixtures, go to the EFL website.
