The FLP Podcast: EFL fixtures drop – early big clashes analysed + Burnley still managerless

In this week’s edition of The Football League Paper Podcast, Matt Badcock is joined by Football League Paper Chief Writer Chris Dunlavy and John Lyons, Football League Paper Editor, to talk through all the latest in the EFL.

The trio take a closer look at the opening day clashes across the Championship, League One and League Two for the upcoming 2026/27 season following the fixture release on Thursday.

Championship

Two of last season’s relegated Premier League clubs will battle it out on the opening weekend as Burnley hosts West Ham United.

The Clarets are still managerless after their bid to secure the services of Wales head coach Craig Bellamy fell through, with Rob Edwards and Steve Cooper rumoured to be next in line for the job.

Wolves will kick off the new season by hosting Blackburn Rovers at Molineux, as new boss César Peixoto looks to guide the West Midlands club back to the top flight following their last-placed finish last season.

Elsewhere, Watford’s managerial cycle continues with the appointment of Alessio Dionisi. The Italian, who was most recently at Empoli, moves away from Italy for the first time in his managerial career.

There are some thrilling clashes for the newly promoted sides in the division, as Cardiff City host Wrexham in the final game of the opening weekend, while Lincoln City travel to play-off finalists Middlesbrough, and Bolton Wanderers welcome Preston North End to the Tough Sheet Stadium.

League One

In League One, Oxford United will start life under new manager Aaron Ramsey with a home clash against MK Dons.

Leicester City will be hoping to bounce back at the first time of asking following their relegation from the Championship with Russell Martin at the helm.

The Foxes are away at Notts County on the opening day of the season.

League Two

And in League Two, York City and Rochdale begin their return to the Football League as the Minstermen host Bristol Rovers at the LNER Community Stadium, while Dale kick off Ian Watson’s tenure as manager by travelling to Newport County.

To find out more about next season’s fixtures, check out our full fixture release coverage.

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