Championship Preview: Newcastle United visit Fulham in English Football League opener

Recently relegated Newcastle United start life in England’s second-tier against Slavisa Jokanovic’s Fulham at Craven Cottage on Friday night.

The Magpies didn’t survive the drop last season from the Premier League, however, after the signing of Ciaran Clark to bolster defensive duties, partnered with the guidance of experienced Spaniard Rafa Benitez, they’ll hope to make a swift return to the top-flight.

Fulham have enjoyed a good pre-season and have strengthened their side with no fewer than four faces entering the fray so far. Boss Jokanovic has expressed his delight during the summer so far, but will the losses of hot prospect Moussa Dembele and talisman Ross McCormack damage the Whites’ chances of kicking off the season with a win?

McCormack left Fulham for Aston Villa in a £12m deal on Thursday – Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

Elsewhere, Birmingham City take on Cardiff City having played each other on the last day of last season with goals from David Cotterill and Anthony Pilkington ensuring a draw was the outcome last time out. After Wales’ successful EURO 2016 campaign, the Bluebirds may feel the pressure to continue impressing their country with an opening day win.

As for Birmingham, it’s clear manager Gary Rowett is trying to improve in the attacking department, unfortunately for him, though, his two bids for Sheffield United youngster Che Adams have come back unsuccessful.

The Blues will hope to improve on their tenth place finish last year, but without any sign of a big-name striker coming in, will they be able to start the 2016-17 season on the right foot?

Along with Newcastle, fellow Premier League casualty Norwich City face a trip to Ewood Park to face a Blackburn Rovers side now under the management of former Bolton Wanderers boss Owen Coyle.

The loss of Nathan Redmond will hurt the Canaries, however, the arrival of Sergi Canos from Liverpool and Alex Pritchard from Tottenham to replace Gary O’Neil has eased the emotions of many at Carrow Road.

In terms of signings, Rovers boss Coyle has gone for an attacking approach by adding the experience of Danny Graham and Liam Feeney to his ranks, who will need to impress in his first season back in England since leaving Wigan Athletic back in 2013.

Former Leicester City boss Nigel Pearson is now in charge at Derby – Photo: Paul Roberts / Offside.

Last year, Brighton and Hove Albion surprised everyone by reaching the play-offs and after narrowly missing out to Sheffield Wednesday in the semi-final, they’ll be hoping to be up near the top again come May.

The Seagulls face a strong Derby County side on the opening day and as far as transfers go, the Rams, who spent a hefty sum last summer, are yet to dip into the transfer market. Under new management and with an already very strong side, you have to feel that Brighton will face a tough first 90 minutes of the season.

Derby’s closest rivals, Nottingham Forest, open their account at the City Ground against newly-promoted Burton Albion. Forest looked good during a pre-season visit to Portugal and seemed to have provided highly-rated youngster Matty Cash with a pathway into the first-team after a positive loan spell at Dagenham and Redbridge last season.

Cash and fellow youngster Oliver Burke could be key to the Reds’ campaign this year after heavy involvement in the side during the summer. Burton’s visit will mean a little more to manager Nigel Clough as he pays a visit to the club where his father is so highly regarded.

In terms of the squad, Clough has made no less than seven signings that include former Cardiff City centre-half Ben Turner and winger Lloyd Dyer – previously of Leicester City. The Brewers face a stern test, but one they’ll be raring to face.

At the Madjeski Stadium, Reading host Preston under the new guidance of Jaap Stam, who yesterday lost key midfielder Oliver Norwood after he completed his switch to Brighton, a move that has left the Dutchman frustrated.

The former Manchester United defender admitted earlier in the week that a top six finish was very unlikely and after a number of key departures, the Royals may find this campaign a struggle.

Stam was appointed Royals manager on June 13, 2016 – Photo: Marc Atkins / Offside.

Their opponents on Saturday afternoon, Preston may have considered themselves lucky to beat the drop last year and will face another tough nine months as England’s second-tier of football goes from strength to strength.

Elsewhere in the Championship this weekend; Huddersfield Town play host to Brentford, Rotherham United return to action against under-fire Wolverhampton Wanderers, Bristol City start the season at home to defending League One champions Wigan Athletic, whilst Ipswich Town welcome Barnsley to Portman Road.

Premier League football doesn’t return for another week so this weekend’s Super Sunday features a trip to Loftus Road as Queens Park Rangers entertain Leeds United, whilst there is a tough test for promotion hopefuls Sheffield Wednesday as they enjoy the company of Aston Villa at Hillsborough.