Sky Bet Championship special: stats, news & tips for all the weekend matches

Luton Town v Middlesbrough, 7.45pm Friday

The Sky Bet Championship campaign begins at Kenilworth Road where newly-promoted Luton face Middlesbrough, who are managed by Jonathan Woodgate for the first time. The draw looks best.

Barnsley v Fulham, 3pm Saturday (Super 6)

Fulham's frightening front three of Ivan Cavaleiro and Anthony Knockaert either side of Aleksandar Mitrovic gives Scott Parker a great chance of starting life in the Championship with a victory.

Blackburn v Charlton, 3pm Saturday

Charlton, playoff winners from League One, have lost many influential performers over the summer and Blackburn may not need to be anything special to take maximum points at Ewood Park.

Brentford v Birmingham, 3pm Saturday (Super 6)

Brentford had a brilliant record at home to bottom-half finishers last season with ten wins and two draws. Birmingham could struggle to avoid a relegation battle following the departure of key men.

Millwall v Preston, 3pm Saturday

Home advantage has not been much use to Millwall, who have won once at the Den in the league in 2019. Preston beat the Bermondsey boys on the road last season and can do so again.

The Big Kick-Off

• Championship title contenders
• League One title contenders
• League Two title contenders

Reading v Sheffield Wednesday, 3pm Saturday (Super 6)

Sheffield Wednesday have lost only three of their last 19 league outings and two of those were against Leeds and Aston Villa. The managerless Owls can take a point from the trip to Reading.

Stoke v QPR, 3pm Saturday (Super 6)

There's a new look to Stoke after a summer refresh and they can start with a bang against QPR. Rangers have triumphed in only one of their 11 away matches this year and key men have departed.

Swansea v Hull City, 3pm Saturday (Super 6)

Expect goals at the Liberty. Hull finished last season with one clean sheet in 11 games and have since swapped Nigel Adkins for Grant McCann. Swansea can make a bright start under Steve Cooper.

Wigan v Cardiff, 3pm Saturday (Super 6)

A strong finish of one defeat in nine saved Wigan from the drop last term and they were excellent at home, with only four defeats. Cardiff, after last season's relegation, may have to settle for a point.

Nottingham Forest v West Brom, 5.30pm Saturday

West Brom have lost much of their goal threat from last season and that is concerning for Albion supporters. Nottingham Forest are not easy to trust but they get a tentative vote in a tricky heat.

Bristol City v Leeds United, 4.30pm Sunday

Championship favourites Leeds could have asked for an easier start and the draw could be the best shout. Bristol City also have an eye on promotion following an ambitious summer transfer policy.

Huddersfield Town v Derby County, 7.45pm Monday

Frank Lampard left Derby with Phillip Cocu at the helm but finding replacements for loan stars Harry Wilson, Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori could be a difficult task. Huddersfield can get off to a flyer.

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