So what are the big Championship matches to look out for today then? Southampton, who finished bottom of last season’s Premier League by quite are in action at 12.30pm. They host Wrexham, a small Welsh club became the first team in EFL history to be promoted in three straight seasons and have been on quite a journey since their Hollywood owners Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney came in. Will they make an appearance tonight?
The 5.30pm kick-off sees Bristol City take on Sheffield United. Two sides that made the playoffs last season but could not quite get over the line. Which of the two will put aside their hurt first tonight?
Today 10 more Championship matches kick-off. Anyone a shoo-in for promotion? Play-off contenders? Youngsters to look out for? Ben Fisher has you covered.
In last night’s Championship opener Ipswich, relegated from the Premier League last season, left it late for a 1-1 draw at Birmingham. George Hirst’s 94th minute penalty did was the visitors’ only shot on target in a tricky night for Kieran McKenna’s men. Read Ben Bloom’s report from St Andrew’s.
The very first goal of the Championship season. Photograph: Nick Potts/PA
Good morning and welcome to our very first matchday live of 2025-26! Here you can get all the latest news and updates from me and our correspondents as we countdown to the start of the Football League season.
We want you to get involved too so get in touch either below the line or via email and let me know what your football plans are for the day, your hopes and dreams for the season (and how realistic they may or may not be) and any personal pre-season rituals.
