The 2018/19 EFL fixtures are out and the start of the season is just over a month away, so what games should you look out for?
There will be plenty of tantalising clashes up and down the divisions, from derbies to new managers starting out and old faces meeting again.
We have looked through them all and picked out 10 to watch…
All live EFL games on Sky
Reading v Derby (August 3, live on Sky Sports 8pm)
It all gets started on Friday, August 3 as Frank Lampard takes charge of Derby for the first time against Reading.
The opening game of the EFL season is live on Sky Sports as Derby, who were beaten in the play-offs last season, travel to the Madejski (8pm).
Lampard will come up against his former coach and ex-Derby manager Paul Clement, who will also begin his first full season at Reading after taking over from Jaap Stam in March.
Leeds v Stoke (August 5, live on Sky Sports 4.30pm)
Marcelo Bielsa starts life at Leeds with a home game against Stoke, live on Sky Sports on August 5.
Championship fixtures
Bielsa has arrived with great fanfare at Leeds this summer but can he do what so many managers before him have failed to do and secure a return to the Premier League?
Bielsa is well known for his levels of preparation and no doubt he will know all about his Championship rivals by the time the season gets underway.
MK Dons v Exeter (August 25)
Paul Tisdale dropped off the top of the list of the longest-serving managers in the top four divisions when he turned down a new deal with Exeter to join relegated MK Dons this summer.
His relationship with Exeter fans did become strained and he said he felt he had been taken for “granted” during his tenure. He might have lost a few more friends at his old club after returning to sign defender Jordan Moore-Taylor by activating a release clause so he could leave on a free transfer.
Whatever the feelings towards Tisdale at Exeter – where he lost in the play-off final in both the previous seasons – he will be expected to secure promotion at the first attempt with MK.
Leeds v Middlesbrough (September 1)
Once described as “the best coach in the world” by Pep Guardiola, there will probably be several managers looking forward to pitting their wits against new Leeds boss Bielsa.
The former Argentina, Athletic Bilbao and Marseille manager is renowned for his possession-based football and quick-attacking transitions. But how will that work in the Championship?
And will it work when he comes up against the likes of Tony Pulis, who has forged his own style over the years.
It should be a fascinating clash of philosophies.
Stoke v Swansea (September 18)
Potter against the Potters.
Graham Potter has taken charge of Swansea over the summer after a successful spell in charge of Swedish side Ostersund. He has never managed in England before but did play for Stoke, Birmingham, West Brom and Reading among other clubs.
His transition into English football could be one of the most interesting stories to follow in the Championship.
Fleetwood Town v Blackpool (October 27)
Like Lampard in the Championship, Joey Barton’s first managerial role with Fleetwood Town should be a journey worth following.
League Two fixtures
The former England, Manchester City and QPR midfielder says he is “putting Joey Barton the player to bed” as he steps onto the other side of the touchline.
However, how quickly will Barton adjust to management? And how will he fare in a derby setting against Blackpool?
Sheffield United v Sheffield Wednesday (November 10)
Always one to watch, the Steel City derby can surely be counted on again to provide more fireworks.
United took the bragging rights last season after a thrilling 4-2 victory at Hillsborough and then a goalless draw at Bramall Lane. However, Wednesday will be out for revenge and will be hoping their rivals’ off-the-pitch problems will carry into the new season.
Derby v Nottingham Forest (December 15)
It has been 10 years since Derby were last in the Premier League, and almost double that time for their East Midlands rivals Nottingham Forest.
But hopes are high at both clubs that the season ahead will be a positive one.
Derby have Lampard in the dugout and will be looking to improve on their sixth-place finish from last season, while Aitor Karanka’s Forest have made some promising summer signings as they target a long-awaited return to the top flight.
Sunderland v Accrington (February 16)
After back-to-back relegations from the Premier League, Sunderland will be the big draw in League One next season.
League One fixtures
A number of clubs will be looking forward to their trip to the 49,000-seater Stadium of Light, including Accrington Stanley, who were promoted from League Two last season after winning the division.
Accrington’s own stadium holds 5,000 fans and they will be playing in the third tier for the first time since their reformation in 1966.
Leeds v Aston Villa (April 27)
On the penultimate game of the season, two of the biggest clubs in the Championship meet at Elland Road, with both sides hoping there is still plenty at stake.
Villa have not won at Leeds since December 2000, while Bielsa’s side are looking to finish in the top six of the Championship for the first time since 2005/06.
Steve Bruce’s Villa are 5/1 with Sky Bet to gain promotion next season, though that may drift with financial uncertainty this summer, while Leeds are slightly shorter at 4/1. Both sides have a following worthy of the top flight, but in such an unforgiving league, nothing can be taken for granted.
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Sourse: skysports.com
