Championship is back!!

Club football in the EFL returned last night, with big wins for Blackburn (4-2 over Derby) and Sheffield United (2-0 at Preston).

Some big stories this week, including the return of Oxford United to this level for the first time since the 97/98 season. Financial issues saw them plummet as low as the Conference, with 4 seasons in non-league. Their rise back up the leagues was slow, 6 seasons in League 2 and a further 8 in League 1, but last season saw them win the play-off final against Bolton and return to the second tier. They are heavy favourites for the drop this season, and have a tough home opener against Norwich City. The Canaries preparation has been rocked by star man Jonathon Rowe pulling out as he hopes to sign for Marseille.

Leeds United suffered double heartbreak last season, missing out on automatic promotion and then losing the play-off final. They start at Elland Road against newly promoted Portsmouth. Pompey had 12 seasons in the 3rd and 4th tiers after their rapid decline from the Premier League.

Hull City were an outside fancy last season but disappointed. Losing Jaden Philogene in the summer will have hurt them, but they have bought well. They host Bristol City.

Michael Carrick had a bad start last season with Middlesbrough, but a strong finish has people putting them firmly into the promotion talk. Emmanuel Latte Lath scored plenty in the second half of the season, 16 in total and have made a statement signing in Micah Hamilton from Man City. They have Swansea, who will hope to improve on a disappointing 14th last season.

West Brom made the play-offs last season and should be in the mix again this season. They open at Loftus Road against QPR, who will want to stay out the relegation battle this time.

Other games today:
Cardiff vs Sunderland
Millwall vs Watford
Stoke vs Coventry

All games kick off at 12:30 and can be watched live on Sky Sports.


Tomorrow Wayne Rooney takes charge of Plymouth Argyle away to Sheffield Wednesday. Both sides managed to survive the threat of relegation last season and will need to improve vastly this year.
Luton Town and Burnley start life back in tier 2 on Monday night following relegation from the Premier League in May.


Other stories today see League 1 games at 17:30. Birmingham City start against Reading with the weight of expectation firmly on their shoulders. Hollywood story Wrexham start their bid for their third consecutive promotion at home to Wycombe Wanderers

In League Two Bromley begin life as a league club away to Harrogate. All L2 games are 3pm.