Blackburn vs. West Brom (Saturday, 3.00pm)
© Reuters
Blackburn Rovers will begin their quest for promotion when they host West Bromwich Albion at Ewood Park on Saturday afternoon in the Championship.
Rovers were part of the playoff-chasing pack last term but ultimately fell short, and the same can be said for West Brom, who need Premier League football more than most clubs.
We say: Blackburn Rovers 1-2 West Bromwich Albion
Blackburn are heading this campaign slightly undercooked due to injuries and departures of key players, but Tomasson's side are still likely to show glimpses of why they have impressed over the past few years.
West Brom will field a side who are very used to playing with each other from last season, and we reckon that chemistry will see the Baggies record an opening-day victory in Lancashire.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Bristol City vs. Preston (Saturday, 3.00pm)
© Reuters
Bristol City and Preston North End commence their 2023-24 Championship campaign with a fixture at Ashton Gate on Saturday afternoon.
Last season, these two teams were separated by just four points, Preston ending in 12th and their upcoming hosts down in 14th position.
We say: Bristol City 1-1 Preston North End
Both managers will be happy with their summer business thus far, the feeling being that they are stronger than last season. With that in mind, we are going to sit on the fence and opt for a draw, but we would not be surprised if Bristol City edge this contest in the latter stages.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Middlesbrough vs. Millwall (Saturday, 3.00pm)
© Reuters
Middlesbrough and Millwall will be looking to move on from their disappointments of last season when they start the 2023-24 Championship campaign with a meeting at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday.
While the visitors squandered the chance to finish in the playoffs on the last day of the regular campaign, Boro lost out in the playoff semi-finals to Coventry City.
We say: Middlesbrough 2-1 Millwall
Even though this is the opening weekend, the pressure is on Boro to make a fast start. We feel that may not necessarily help them going forward, yet Carrick's side may just about edge an hard-fought contest at the weekend.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Norwich vs. Hull City (Saturday, 3.00pm)
© Reuters
Norwich City and Hull City square off in the Championship on Saturday looking to each put together improved seasons during 2023-24.
The Canaries and Tigers finished in the bottom half of the standings at the end of the last campaign, having to settle for 13th and 15th spot respectively.
We say: Norwich City 2-1 Hull City
The rebuild at Norwich under Wagner means that expectations remain high at Carrow Road, but that is also the case at Hull. The visitors should give a good account of themselves on Saturday, yet we still feel that the Canaries will use their home territory to positive effect.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Plymouth vs. Huddersfield (Saturday, 3.00pm)
© Reuters
Plymouth Argyle begin their first campaign back in the Championship with a fixture against Huddersfield Town on Saturday.
While the home side won League One during 2022-23, the visitors were required to put together a strong run of form at the end of the season to narrowly avoid relegation.
We say: Plymouth Argyle 1-2 Huddersfield Town
This has all the makings of an intriguing fixture with optimism sky-high at Home Park and Warnock expected to continue to deliver for the Terriers. We expect Plymouth to be in this contest throughout the 90 minutes, but the extra quality and nous may come from the visitors.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Stoke vs. Rotherham (Saturday, 3.00pm)
© Reuters
Stoke City to begin their Championship campaign by welcoming Rotherham United to the bet365 Stadium in Staffordshire on Saturday afternoon.
The Potters will be looking to kick on this season after a mid-table finish in 2022-23, while Rotherham look set to have a battle on their hands to avoid the drop to League One.
We say: Stoke City 1-0 Rotherham United
Stoke will be looking to make a statement at the beginning of their Championship campaign, and a home tie with Rotherham serves up a good opportunity to do so.
The Millers might struggle to avoid the drop this term but will be hoping to catch the Potters cold on Saturday, although we believe the hosts will record a narrow victory.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Swansea vs. Birmingham (Saturday, 3.00pm)
© Reuters
Swansea City will be looking to get their Championship campaign off to a winning start when they welcome Birmingham City to the Swansea.com Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Swans are under new management but will be pushing for promotion once again, whilst Birmingham are looking forward to a new era under fresh ownership at the club.
We say: Swansea City 2-1 Birmingham City
Swansea look like a force to be reckoned with this term after adding the goals of Yates to their attack - could 2023-24 finally be the campaign that the Swans earn promotion?
Birmingham's route to the Premier League is unlikely to be complete by May, and supporters may have to be a little patient before seeing significant improvements on the pitch.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Watford vs. QPR (Saturday, 3.00pm)
© Reuters
Watford will begin their Championship campaign by welcoming relegation favourites Queens Park Rangers to Vicarage Road on Saturday afternoon.
The Hornets will be pushing for promotion this term after an extremely disappointing mid-table finish in 2022-23, while QPR are among a number of sides tipped for a survival scrap.
We say: Watford 2-0 Queens Park Rangers
Watford are set for a new era under the tutelage of Ismael, and the home faithful can expect a fast start from their side against a QPR team who were thrashed recently at Oxford United.
The R's need a response after their 5-0 loss at the Kassam Stadium last time out, but we are predicting a defeat for Ainsworth's men to start their second-tier campaign.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Barney Corkhill
