Wrexham Football Club`s much-anticipated return to the second tier of English football after 43 years will commence with an away fixture against recently relegated Southampton on Saturday, August 9. The Championship season itself kicks off the previous day, Friday, August 8, when Birmingham City, part-owned by Tom Brady, hosts Ipswich Town. These two promoted teams face what appear to be tough initial challenges in the division. Meanwhile, relegated Leicester City will look to start their campaign positively at home against Sheffield Wednesday on August 10.
The Championship action follows a week after the League One season begins. The opening match for League One is scheduled for Friday, August 1, featuring relegated Luton Town taking on newly promoted AFC Wimbledon at Kenilworth Road. In League Two, a potentially significant fixture sees Barnet making their return to the Football League, hosting Fleetwood Town on Saturday, August 2.
The subsequent week will inevitably draw attention to the Championship, particularly Wrexham. The Welsh club has become a global phenomenon since its takeover by Hollywood figures Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney. In August 2022, Wrexham started their National League season away to Eastleigh in Hampshire. Now, they face a considerably more high-profile away trip to Southampton, a team widely regarded by bookmakers as one of the primary favorites for automatic promotion.
Not far behind Southampton in the promotion odds are both Ipswich and Birmingham City. Birmingham, co-owned by NFL legend Tom Brady, achieved impressive promotion from League One last season, accumulating a record 111 points. The involvement of Brady, Reynolds, and McElhenney brought significant star power to the third tier, and the anticipated `Hollywood derbies` are expected to be major highlights for neutral fans this season. Birmingham is set to host Wrexham at St. Andrew`s on October 4, with the return fixture in Wales scheduled for April 11.
Five Notable EFL Fixtures to Watch
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Luton Town vs. AFC Wimbledon — August 1, 3 p.m. ET
This match is a fascinating start to the new season. Just two years ago, Luton was preparing for the Premier League, and now they must adapt to life in League One. While they might be favorites for promotion, getting out of this division is a tough challenge, as other big clubs like Sunderland have found. For promoted Wimbledon, their main goal in the third tier is survival, and a strong start or an upset against a favored team like Luton would be ideal. -
Leicester City vs. Sheffield Wednesday — August 10, 11:30 a.m. ET
There are questions surrounding Leicester City`s preparations. Will they begin their promotion push under manager Ruud van Nistelrooy? After their Premier League relegation became certain in April, it was widely expected that Van Nistelrooy, whose record in the top flight was four wins, three draws, and 18 losses, would be replaced. Nearly ten weeks later, he remains in charge as the new season, notably without star striker Jamie Vardy, approaches. Leicester also faces a potential points deduction for financial breaches. If this opening game doesn`t go their way, it could signal a very difficult season ahead for the club. -
Southampton vs. Portsmouth — September 13, 10 a.m. ET
One of English football`s most intense rivalries resumes after an almost six-year break. Although their last meeting was an EFL Cup tie between a Premier League side (Southampton) and a League One side (Portsmouth), this upcoming match in the Championship will be the first time these fierce South Coast rivals face each other as equals since the 2011-12 season. Expect high tension, heated moments, and strong challenges. -
Ipswich Town vs. Norwich City — October 4, 10 a.m. ET
Another classic English derby, the `Old Farm` rivalry, is a more regular fixture but always captivating. This season, the stakes might be higher than just bragging rights. Ipswich is among the favorites to secure another promotion, while Norwich will likely aim for the upper half of the Championship table. Manager Liam Manning achieved impressive results taking Bristol City to the playoffs, and despite potential challenges like retaining key player Borja Sainz, the Norwich squad possesses considerable talent. -
Wrexham vs. Middlesbrough — May 2, 7:30 a.m. ET
Predicting outcomes in the Championship, especially the final day of the season, is notoriously difficult. What is certain is that the last day of the regular season brings incredible excitement and drama as teams battle for automatic promotion spots, playoff places, and survival to avoid relegation. Could this particular match between Wrexham and Middlesbrough on the final day turn out to be a crucial clash in the race for a top-six playoff spot?
Full EFL Opening Day Fixtures
Championship
- Friday, Aug. 8
- Birmingham City vs. Ipswich Town, 3 p.m. ET
- Saturday, Aug. 9
- Charlton Athletic vs. Watford, 7:30 a.m. ET
- Coventry City vs. Hull City, 7:30 a.m. ET
- Southampton vs. Wrexham, 7:30 a.m. ET
- Middlesbrough vs. Swansea City, 10 a.m. ET
- Norwich City vs. Millwall, 10 a.m. ET
- Oxford United vs. Portsmouth, 10 a.m. ET
- Queens Park Rangers vs. Preston North End, 10 a.m. ET
- Stoke City vs. Derby County, 10 a.m. ET
- West Bromwich Albion vs. Blackburn Rovers, 10 a.m. ET
- Sheffield United vs. Bristol City, 12:30 p.m. ET
- Sunday, Aug. 10
- Leicester City vs. Sheffield Wednesday, 11:30 a.m. ET
League One
- Friday, Aug. 1
- Luton Town vs. AFC Wimbledon, 3 p.m. ET
- Saturday, Aug. 2
- Cardiff City vs. Peterborough, 7:30 a.m. ET
- Blackpool vs. Stevenage, 10 a.m. ET
- Bradford City vs. Wycombe Wanderers, 10 a.m. ET
- Burton Albion vs. Mansfield Town, 10 a.m. ET
- Doncaster Rovers vs. Exeter City, 10 a.m. ET
- Huddersfield Town vs. Leyton Orient, 10 a.m. ET
- Lincoln City vs. Reading, 10 a.m. ET
- Plymouth Argyle vs. Barnsley, 10 a.m. ET
- Rotherham United vs. Port Vale, 10 a.m. ET
- Wigan Athletic vs. Northampton Town, 10 a.m. ET
- Sunday, Aug. 3
- Stockport County vs. Bolton Wanderers, 7 a.m. ET
League Two
- Saturday, Aug. 2
- Accrington Stanley vs. Gillingham, 10 a.m. ET
- Barnet vs. Fleetwood Town, 10 a.m. ET
- Bristol Rovers vs. Harrogate Town, 10 a.m. ET
- Cambridge United vs. Cheltenham Town, 10 a.m. ET
- Chesterfield vs. Barrow, 10 a.m. ET
- Colchester United vs. Tranmere Rovers, 10 a.m. ET
- Grimsby Town vs. Crawley Town, 10 a.m. ET
- MK Dons vs. Oldham Athletic, 10 a.m. ET
- Newport County vs. Notts County, 10 a.m. ET
- Salford City vs. Crewe Alexandra, 10 a.m. ET
- Shrewsbury Town vs. Bromley, 10 a.m. ET
- Walsall vs. Swindon Town, 10 a.m. ET
