EFL fixtures released

The EFL fixtures for the Championship, League One, and League Two have been announced setting up some intriguing ties across ‘the 72’.

©Getty / Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA

The opening weekend begins on the Friday the 29th of July evening as the recently-relegated Burnley, now led by former City great Vincent Kompany, take on another promotion candidate in Huddersfield Town. The two sides did meet last season when the Terries knocked Burnley out of the FA Cup.

Norwich City begin their campaign to bounce back up on Saturday when they travel to Cardiff City while Watford must wait until Monday evening to host Sheffield United.

Of the teams promoted from the second tier last season, League One champions Wigan Athletic have a North-West clash with Preston North End, Sunderland’s return to the Championship sees them host Coventry City, and Rotherham United play at home against Swansea City.

📺🍿 Some belters first up on @SkyFootball!#EFLFixtures | #FixtureReleaseDay pic.twitter.com/E1jZCQrEME

— Sky Bet Championship (@SkyBetChamp) June 23, 2022

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Two of the teams promoted from League Two clash in the first round of League One as final-day heroes Bristol Rovers take on the fourth-tier champions Forest Green Rovers at the Memorial Stadium.

Of the other two promoted teams, Exeter City travel to Lincoln City while Port Vale host Fleetwood Town.

Derby County still have plenty of off-field issues but they’re set to begin their League One campaign at home to Oxford United. From the other two sides relegated from the Championship, Peterborough United face a trip to Cheltenham Town while Barnsley head south to take on Plymouth Argyle.

There’s also an intriguing clash between two teams tipped with going up this season when Ipswich Town take on Bolton Wanderers.

©Getty / Alex Livesey

Stockport County were imperious in the National League last season finishing ahead of Hollywood’s Wrexham to win the title and return to the Football League. They begin their season at home with the visit of Barrow AFC.

Grimsby Town had to do it the hard way, earning promotion through the play-offs. Their reward is a visit to Leyton Orient on the opening day of the season. 

Out of the four teams descended from League One to the fourth tier, two face each other against as Wimbledon host Gillingham. Meanwhile, Crewe Alexandra travel to Rochdale and Doncaster Rovers enjoy a trip to Mark Hughes’ Bradford City.

So there’s plenty of to sink your teeth into and that’s just the first weekend!

Of course, Playmaker will be following the EFL action all the way, so make sure to follow us on Twitter for great stats as the season progresses.