Derby at Blackburn, Blades visit Preston to start Championship

Relegated Premier League side Sheffield United will start the new Championship season with a trip to Preston on Friday, 9 August.

That is one of two games being played at 20:00 BST that evening, along with promoted Derby’s trip to Blackburn.

Eight games kick off at 12:30 BST on Saturday, including beaten play-off finalists Leeds at home to promoted Portsmouth.

New Plymouth boss Wayne Rooney takes his side to Sheffield Wednesday on Sunday, 11 August and relegated duo Luton and Burnley meet at Kenilworth Road the following day.

All of the opening round of fixtures in the second tier will be broadcast live on Sky Sports as part of their new £935m five-year deal with the EFL.