Preston North End given eye-catching Championship start and must relish it
Fixtures are out for the 2026/27 EFL season
You may find yourself somewhere in the middle but most will probably be in one of two camps on fixture release day.
Aston Villa, rightly and rather amusingly, simply went with the following when their’s were released for the new season: ‘Aston Villa is delighted to announce that our 2026/27 Premier League fixtures will consist of playing each team home and away.’
You can give it that little time, or look through the entire schedule in depth, start to formulate plans in your mind and perhaps pinpoint a month of death. Either is absolutely fine but regardless, Preston North End’s opening contest has surely whet the appetite for all.
A short trip to Bolton Wanderers to kick things off; a first league meeting with the nearby Whites for seven years. Steven Schumacher is looking to build on Bolton’s promotion from League One - the place will be packed out and loud.
As far as occasions go, PNE’s first should not disappoint and they will have to be on their mettle against a side who’ll be fired right up. North End will be backed by thousands and it’s one to absolutely relish.
The Lilywhites’ opening run of games looks terrific. Relegated Wolves then provide the first home test of the campaign and Deepdale should be close to full. A trip to the capital follows at Charlton Athletic - a proper club and football venue.
And while - cliche alert - there are truly no easy games in the Championship, the month of September looks one to attack with three home games against Bristol City, Blackburn and Lincoln, along with away trips to Watford and QPR.
What else is there to digest? For anyone who gets involved with this day, the midweek away trips are always a must-check. Obviously, Preston have been sent to Wales; it would not be a normal season without that.
This time it’s the returning Cardiff, instead of Swansea. Hardy souls, it’s over to you. Fixtures are subject to change, of course, but the other midweek visits are down as Watford, Birmingham, West Brom, Sheffield United, Wolves and Bristol City.
Boxing Day at Deepdale is much welcomed - Derby County providing the post-Christmas challenge. A New Year’s Day trip to Middlesbrough could be better but also worse. Saturday away days at West Ham and Lincoln have top potential, albeit the former’s stadium is dire.
It’s never easy picking out one month in particular. February and March both have a decent feel on paper though, with a nice blend of new opponents, local derbies, Saturday away clashes and home games under the lights. It’ll be here in no time... bring it on.