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Ten big games on the opening weekend of the 2019/20 season

25 June 2019

The 2019/20 fixtures have officially been revealed, with a host of fantastic matches to look forward to when the season kicks off in August.

Below, we've picked out 10 unmissable clashes from across the EFL's three divisions on the opening weekend of the new season.

Luton Town v Middlesbrough 

A Friday night fixture under the lights at Kenilworth Road will see the 2019/20 EFL season get underway, as Luton Town host Middlesbrough.

This game will see two new managers take to the dugout for the first time for their respective sides, as Graeme Jones and Jonathan Woodgate take charge of their first competitive games in management.

The Hatters finished top of the pile in Sky Bet League One last season, meanwhile the Boro missed out on the final Sky Bet Championship Play-Off place by a point to Derby County.

Barnsley v Fulham 

Continuing with the new manager theme, recently relegated Fulham will be hoping to make an immediate return to the Premier League under the stewardship of former player, Scott Parker.

On the other hand, Barnsley secured their place in the Championship by finishing as runners-up in League One, in manager Daniel Stendel’s first season in English football.

The last time these two clubs faced each other at Oakwell came in January 2018, resulting in a 3-1 to the visitors, a brace from Ryan Sessegnon the highlight that day.

Bristol City v Leeds United

Lee Johnson came close guiding his Bristol City side into the Play-Offs last season, but like Middlesbrough, came up just short.

Marcelo Bielsa’s Leeds were beaten in dramatic fashion by Frank Lampard’s Rams at Elland Road, which resulted in them bowing out of the race for promotion via the Play-Offs at the Semi-Final stage.

This one has the potential to be a cracker at Ashton Gate in front of the Sky Sports cameras.

Huddersfield Town v Derby County

The 2018/19 season was a campaign to forget for Huddersfield Town as they were relegated from the Premier League, ending their two-year stay in the top tier of English football.

Derby County, on the other hand, were denied a crack at the Premier League in the worst way possible, as Aston Villa pipped them to the post in a dramatic Play-Off Final at Wembley back in May.

This game will finish off the opening weekend of fixtures in the EFL, as it will be played on Monday 5 August.

Burton Albion v Ipswich Town

After suffering relegation last season, Paul Lambert will be hoping to guide his Ipswich Town side back to the Championship at the first time of asking.

The Tractor Boys strengthened their attacking options over the past few weeks with the signing of Sky Bet League Two top-scorer James Norwood.

Nigel Clough led his side to the Semi-Finals of the Carabao Cup last season - their best ever run in the competition - eventually losing to the eventual champions Manchester City. The Brewers will be hoping to build on that in the new season.

Lincoln City v Accrington Stanley

Lincoln City and Danny Cowley have been on an incredible journey together over the last few seasons, which has seen them go from the National League to League One in just three seasons.

The Imps have been impressive in cup commotions over the years as well, making the latter rounds of the FA Cup as well as winning the EFL Trophy back in the 2017/18 season.

Stanley, under John Coleman, have been solid, and will be looking to get points on the board as early as possible. Playing a newly-promoted side could be a perfect opportunity to do just that.

Peterborough United v Fleetwood Town

Darren Ferguson has been busy in the transfer window ahead of the new season, bringing in a host of players, including the likes of highly-rated Dan Butler from Newport County, as well as Niall Mason, who he previously mentored at Doncaster Rovers.

Fleetwood Town have also been busy strengthening their squad, with former players Danny Andrew and Josh Morris returning back to Highbury for the second time in their career.

Both sides will be looking to break into the Play-Off this season, after finishing 7th and 11th respectively last season.

Salford City v Stevenage

This season will be Salford City’s first time in the EFL in their history and they will be looking to get off to the perfect start in Sky Bet League Two in front of the Sky cameras.

A home fixture against Stevenage awaits, and Graham Alexander and co will be hoping their Play-Off Final win over AFC Fylde can bring confidence throughout the squad in the division above.

Stevenage were in a cluster of teams that could have sneaked inside the Play-Offs on the final day; ultimately, it wasn’t to be, but that will be their aim come the new season.

Leyton Orient v Cheltenham Town

The O’s return to the EFL as champions of the National League after picking up 89 points from a possible 46 games last season.

This campaign more than any will mean the most to Orient players, staff and fans, as they look to build on the legacy that former manager Justin Edinburgh has instilled in the club.

Cheltenham Town are the visitors to Brisbane Road on the opening day of the season; the Robins finished the 2018/19 League Two season a comfortable 16 points clear of the relegation zone.

Newport County v Mansfield Town

The opening day of the Sky Bet League Two campaign sees two of last season’s Play-Off Semi-Finalists come together once again.

The Exiles were penalty shoot-out winners in that Semi-Final, seeing off the Stags in their own backyard.

Mansfield Town have decided to part ways with David Flitcroft since that Semi-Final defeat, replacing him with former player John Dempster.


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