Summary

  • Terry's Villa debut ends in 1-1 draw v Hull

  • Wolves beat Boro, Sheff Wed lose at Preston

  • Last-gasp Norwich draw at Fulham

  • Bristol City win 3-1 to top the table

  • Wins for Cardiff, Ipswich, Sheff Utd & QPR

  • Luton win 8-2 at home to Yeovil in League Two

  1. Team news is inpublished at 14:01 British Summer Time 5 August 2017

    Thanks Brendon.

    Team news for today's eight 15:00 BST Championship games is in and we'll bring you all of the starting line-ups in the coming minutes.

  2. get involved

    Get Involved via #bbceflpublished at 13:58 British Summer Time 5 August 2017

    Predict your final Championship table

    Ian's top six

    There's not much faffing about with this one, is there? Middlesbrough to go straight back up, big guns Aston Villa to join them and big-spending Wolves and Gary Rowett's Derby to break into the play-offs

    So, what do you reckon? Click here to forecast your final Championship table and, now we've shared ours, feel free to use #bbcefl on Twitter to tear our predictions to shreds. Please be gentle, it's only a bit of fun!

    And, speaking of Mr. Ian Woodcock, here he is to take you through to 15:00 BST and beyond...

  3. Norwich must be versatile - Watkinspublished at 13:55 British Summer Time 5 August 2017

    Fulham v Norwich (15:00 BST)

    Summer signing Marley Watkins believes adaptability will be crucial if Norwich City are to mount a promotion challenge.

    The Canaries went through their pre-season programme unbeaten, drawing 1-1 with Premier League side Brighton in their final friendly.

    They start their Championship season under new head coach Daniel Farke at Fulham.

    "You've got to be able to adapt within the system and when we need a change of structure, you've got to be ready for it," Watkins told BBC Radio Norfolk.

    Norwich must be versatile - Watkins

    Forward Marley Watkins believes adaptability will be crucial if Norwich are to mount a promotion challenge this season.

    Read More
  4. The EFL's other ups and downspublished at 13:52 British Summer Time 5 August 2017

    The arrivals of Sunderland, Hull and Middlesbrough in the Championship have been well documented already, but who else will be tackling a new EFL division this season?

    Sheffield United, Bolton Wanderers and Millwall are all back in the second tier after relatively short periods away.

    Rotherham United, Blackburn Rovers and Wigan Athletic have all slipped down to League One, and will be joined in that division by promoted quartet Portsmouth, Doncaster Rovers, Plymouth Argyle and Blackpool.

    And the four to swap places with them in League Two? Coventry City, Swindon Town, Chesterfield and Port Vale.

  5. Welcome FGR, welcome back Lincolnpublished at 13:49 British Summer Time 5 August 2017

    Forest Green v Barnet, Wycombe v Lincoln (both 15:00 BST)

    Forest Green celebrateImage source, Empics

    Forest Green Rovers and Lincoln City have had a busy summer preparing for life in the English Football League after they secured promotion from the National League last season.

    The Imps, who visit Wycombe today, are back after a six-year absence, topping the table after juggling their title ambitions with an FA Cup run which saw them become the first non-league side to reach the quarter-finals of the FA Cup in 103 years.

    It's been a very different tale for Forest Green, tackling the EFL for the first time in their history having gone up via the play-offs.

    Mark Cooper's side welcome Barnet to the New Lawn this afternoon.

  6. 'Supporters demanded change'published at 13:46 British Summer Time 5 August 2017

    Norwich City

    Chris Goreham
    BBC Radio Norfolk

    "Never before have Norwich City been such an unknown quantity.

    "Head coach Daniel Farke named seven summer signings in his starting line-up for the final pre-season friendly, which underlines quite how much has changed at Carrow Road over the past three months.

    "City stalwarts like John Ruddy, Jonny Howson and Graham Dorrans have left, while promising young winger Jacob Murphy was sold to Newcastle.

    "Supporters demanded change after an underwhelming season which saw them finish eighth in the Championship last season and a new broom has certainly been through the club over the summer."

  7. 'There is optimism Fulham can challenge'published at 13:44 British Summer Time 5 August 2017

    Fulham

    Rob Stevens
    BBC Radio London

    Ryan SessegnonImage source, Getty Images

    "After retaining their key players this summer, with captain Tom Cairney and gifted teenager Ryan Sessegnon signing new deals and interest in forward Sone Aluko warded off (so far), there is a sense of optimism that Fulham can challenge for automatic promotion after missing out in the play-offs last season.

    "The Whites play some of the most entertaining football in the division, and boss Slavisa Jokanovic has experience of reaching the Premier League, having guided Watford to second place in 2014-15.

    "With centre-back Tomas Kalas and forward Lucas Piazon brought back to Craven Cottage for a second year on loan from Chelsea, the question is whether new arrival Aboubakar Kamara can provide enough of a threat up front to help sustain a bid for the Premier League."

  8. get involved

    Get Involved via #bbceflpublished at 13:41 British Summer Time 5 August 2017

    Predict your final Championship table

    Adam Williams

    As we continue to build towards 15:00 BST, here's another of our top sixes for you.

    I had Aston Villa down for a play-off spot - but Adam's gone the whole hog by tipping them for the Championship title!

    Click here to forecast your own final Championship table.

  9. 50 years in footballpublished at 13:39 British Summer Time 5 August 2017

    Cardiff v Burton (15:00 BST)

    Speaking of Neil Warnock, when it comes to the English Football League it is not too much of an exaggeration to say that he's just about seen it all.

    And our colleagues at BBC Wales Sport have been busy writing about his 50 years in the game...

    Neil Warnock: 50 years in football

    Cardiff City boss Neil Warnock, who is marking 50 years in football this season, says he now needs afternoon naps but has no plans to retire any time soon.

    Read More
  10. 'Warnock holds the key'published at 13:36 British Summer Time 5 August 2017

    Cardiff City

    Rob Phillips
    BBC Wales Sport

    Neil WarnockImage source, Getty Images

    "Neil Warnock is seeking a record breaking eighth promotion as a manager and holds the key to Cardiff City’s hopes.

    "Last season he worked wonders to lift the threat of relegation following his October arrival, securing a comfortable mid-table finish and also galvanising the fans.

    "Warnock transformed Kenneth Zohore into a feared Championship striker and will be hoping the Dane continues his rich form. Although club legend Peter Whittingham has left to join Blackburn, Cardiff will look to Lee Tomlin - signed from Bristol City - to provide the guile.

    "Even at 68, Warnock has lost none of his zest. He's a man some love to hate, but most would love him in their dugout."

  11. 'If they stay up, it'll likely be a struggle'published at 13:34 British Summer Time 5 August 2017

    Burton Albion

    Michael Perkins
    BBC Radio Derby

    "Burton Albion were only promoted from the National League in 2009 and have achieved their best finishes in the English Football League during the past two seasons, with promotion from League One followed by survival in the Championship.

    "In the off season the Brewers will be pleased not have lost Australian international Jackson Irvine, who scored 10 goals last season.

    "They’ve had a huge blow this week though with Liam Boyce, who like Irvine also arrived from Ross County and replaced him as Burton’s club record signing, injuring his anterior cruciate knee ligament.

    "The Scottish Premiership’s top scorer looks unlikely to kick a ball competitively in his first season in the Championship.

    "I’ve not read anyone tipping Burton to stay up and if they do it’s likely to be a struggle from start to finish, but they pulled off what has been described as a miracle last time round, so there’s no reason why they can’t do it again."

  12. He'll be hoping they don't end the day...published at 13:31 British Summer Time 5 August 2017

    Fulham v Norwich City (15:00 BST)

    ... Without a win.

    BBC Sport app users may need to click "view more" to see social media content.

  13. get involved

    Get Involved via #bbceflpublished at 13:28 British Summer Time 5 August 2017

    Your season in six words

    Joe Brians: optimism, belief, heartbreak, elation, drama... CHAMPIONS #ntfc

    Jane King: Wilder leads Blades to another promotion

    Luke Tizzard: In Jaap we trust! URZ

    Tom Penkethman: Ipswich: going down, playing terrible football.

  14. 'Promotion is the aim'published at 13:25 British Summer Time 5 August 2017

    Sheffield Wednesday

    Rob Staton
    BBC Radio Sheffield

    Sheffield WednesdayImage source, Getty Images

    "After finishing in the play-offs for the past two years, promotion is the aim for Sheffield Wednesday this season.

    "The Owls have a very experienced Championship squad and they added George Boyd from Burnley this summer.

    "There are some question marks in the squad, particularly at the back. Tom Lees and Glenn Loovens are the first-choice partnership but there’s a concerning lack of depth backing them up.

    "At the other end of the pitch there are no such concerns. Wednesday have arguably the largest collection of proven goalscorers in the Championship."

  15. 'They have a squad who understand the rigours'published at 13:21 British Summer Time 5 August 2017

    Preston North End

    Jay Freeman
    BBC Sport Online

    Alex NeilImage source, Getty Images

    "Since returning to the second tier in 2015, two 62-point 11th-place finishes have followed for Preston North End and, among stiff competition in the Championship, finishing 10th or above or even reaching the play-offs this season would be quite the achievement.

    "Fortunately the club have recruited a sensible replacement for former manager Simon Grayson in ex-Norwich City boss Alex Neil, who led the Canaries back to the Premier League through the 2014-15 Championship play-offs.

    "Repeating that feat with his new club will be a tough ask for the Scot. North End were 18 points off the play-offs last season and don't have anywhere near the budget of some of their rivals around them.

    "That being said, they have a manager who has experienced promotion from the Championship and a squad of players who understand the rigours of this league. The only way is up."

  16. get involved

    Get Involved via #bbceflpublished at 13:18 British Summer Time 5 August 2017

    Predict your final Championship table

    Brendon top six

    Come on then, I promised we'd give our Championship top sixes so I might as well get mine out of the way nice and early.

    I've probably gone a bit left field by bunging Cardiff City in my top six, but Neil Warnock is a canny operator and is sure to have his side well organised.

    Don't forget, you can predict your full Championship table by clicking here.

  17. Player turns up at groundpublished at 13:15 British Summer Time 5 August 2017

    QPR v Reading (15:00 BST)

    QPR's Conor WashingtonImage source, Rex Features

    A picture of Conor Washington turning up at Loftus Road isn't likely to win any awards, granted, but it does mean one thing...

    The football isn't too far away now! Hurray!

  18. 'Staying up is the fundamental aim'published at 13:13 British Summer Time 5 August 2017

    Bolton Wanderers

    Jack Dearden
    BBC Radio Manchester

    "I can't help but think what happens off the field at Bolton Wanderers will have a direct effect on how things shape up on it. Stability and consolidation are needed.

    "Bolton face a big challenge to remain in the Championship, and they can well do without any off-the-field distractions.

    "For me a successful campaign would be to retain their second-tier status - that has to be the fundamental aim. It's one they're more than capable of achieving, as long as talks of takeovers and finance are finally put to bed."

  19. 'Play-offs is the least fans expect'published at 13:10 British Summer Time 5 August 2017

    Leeds United

    Adam Pope
    BBC Radio Leeds

    Chris WoodImage source, Getty Images

    "The last campaign’s seventh-placed finish for Leeds United exceeded my pre-season expectations by five positions. However, the 11th-hour collapse from what appeared to be a certain play-off berth after 26 consecutive matches in the top six was galling.

    "The foundations laid and predominantly winning culture engendered by former head coach Garry Monk need to be capitalised upon by his successor Tommy Christiansen. The Dane’s appointment is a gamble as he is completely unknown here and has no direct experience of the Championship, though the initial signs are that the players have responded to him and there is a positive vibe about Elland Road.

    "The club is in the hands of a new owner, Andrea Radrizzani, who has already delivered on a major promise where previous owners had failed - he has bought the club’s stadium back for around £20m.

    "The key to success is keeping 30-goal top scorer Chris Wood fit and at the club. If he receives the service and is supported by more goals from midfield then United will challenge for the play-offs again. That’s the least the fans will expect."

  20. get involved

    Get Involved via #bbceflpublished at 13:07 British Summer Time 5 August 2017

    Predict your final Championship table

    Garry MonkImage source, Reuters

    As well as asking for your predictions, we've also decided to take the bold step of making some of our own!

    A group of 25 BBC Sport journalists who cover Championship football on a regular basis were asked to make their predictions, and their forecasts have been combined to make a final table.

    Middlesbrough took the title and Burton Albion finished bottom - but where did your team end up?

    You can click here to have a gander, and Ian, Adam and I will also be revealing our top sixes between now and 14:00 BST too. I bet you can't wait.