Preston vs. Sheff Utd (Friday, 8.00pm)
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The EFL is back and the 20th season of the Championship gets underway on Friday night when Preston North End welcome Sheffield United to Deepdale for their opening match of the 2024-25 campaign.
Both teams have aspirations of securing at least a playoff spot this term and will be keen to make significant improvements after ending the previous season in disappointing fashion.
We say: Preston North End 1-1 Sheffield United
Neither side have had much joy in their opening league fixture of a new season in recent years; while Preston have failed to come out on top in their last five such matches, Sheffield United have won their opening league game just once in the last 10 seasons.
Both teams will be keen to get the ball rolling and make a positive start to 2024-25, but a tight contest could be in store at Deepdale and few would be surprised to see the spoils shared on Friday.
> Click here to read our full preview for this match
Blackburn vs. Derby (Friday, 8.00pm)
© Imago
Blackburn Rovers and Derby County get their Championship campaigns underway with a clash at Ewood Park on Friday night.
While Rovers only survived in the second tier on the final day of 2023-24, Derby secured a return to the division with a runners-up finish in League One.
We say: Blackburn Rovers 2-1 Derby County
The opening day of a season is a complete unknown, and that is particularly the case with two well-matched teams squaring off here. Derby will be eager to make an impression, yet we are backing Rovers to make a positive start to their campaign.
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Oliver Thomas
