EFL 2019-20 fixture release: Five major talking points

The EFL fixtures for 2019-20 were announced on Thursday morning.

Here, Press Association Sport takes a look at some of the stories behind the
schedule.

Frankly, Rams look to have a tough start

Whoever starts the season as Derby boss will have to hit the ground running as the Rams face five of the teams expected to finish above them in the Championship, according to the bookies, in their first eight outings. However, October may bring some respite and the festive fixture list also looks kind, meaning a possible slow start followed by a mid-season improvement.

End of the road may be a challenge for Blues

Birmingham appear to have a tough finish to their campaign, with five of their final nine games coming against some of the division's strongest teams. The Blues are searching for a new manager following the sacking of Garry Monk earlier this week, so at least his replacement will have had some time to prepare for the challenge.

Owls can get off to a flyer

Sheffield Wednesday should start strongly as they face five of the Championship's apparent eight weakest teams in their first six matches. However, from mid-February onwards the Owls only have two such games and finish with three back-to-back fixtures against clubs expected to be in the shake-up for promotion.

Brewers' glass half empty, or half full?

It would seem that Burton need to make the most of the middle of their season if they are to prosper. Nigel Clough's Brewers are the only side in League One to face five of the expected top eight teams in both their first 10 and last 10 fixtures.

EFL newcomers can hit the ground running

Both the newly-promoted sides, Salford and Leyton Orient, seem to have been handed a gentle introduction to life in League Two. Each team's opening three games are against clubs tipped to finish in the lower third of the table and they only have to face two of the expected top eight before October.

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