B B C Sports: Blues v Ipswich, Saints v Wrexham to start season.

Birmingham and Wrexham were promoted from League One last season.

Wrexham’s first second-tier encounter in 43 years will take place against Southampton on Saturday, August 9, a day after Birmingham City host Ipswich Town in the Championship season opener.

Leicester City’s return to the second division begins on Sunday, August 10, when they face Sheffield Wednesday at home. The League One play-off final winners Charlton Athletic make their return to the Championship after a five-year sabbatical with a home fixture against Watford, currently managed by Uruguayan Paulo Pezzolano.

Sheffield United, who were defeated by Sunderland in the Championship play-off final, begin their season against Bristol City, whom they defeated in the semi-finals. Leicester won the Championship title and were promoted back to the Premier League at their maiden attempt just 14 months ago.

However, relegation after only one season back in the top level means they will commemorate the 10-year anniversary of their Premier League title triumph with a final-day trip to Blackburn on May 2, 2026. Southampton, who have risen and fallen through the two divisions with Leicester over the last three seasons, will host Hollywood-owned Wrexham at St Mary’s in one of ten games on Saturday, August 9.

The Championship season begins one week after League One and League Two, and seven days before the Premier League season begins.

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