Saturday afternoon brings us the bulk of the first games of this season’s Championship, and we kick things off with a look ahead to the clash between newcomers Barnsley and Fulham at Oakwell.
Barnsley made an instant return to the Championship at the first time of asking under German manager, Daniel Stendel whose stock has risen thanks to guiding The Tykes back up into the second tier.
Barnsley achieved automatic promotion as they finished runners-up to League One title winners, Luton Town, losing out on winning the title themselves by a mere 3-point margin.
The hard work for Stendel & co starts now though as the unfashionable Yorkshire club look to consolidate their Championship status and avoid the plight of another Yorkshire outfit, Rotherham United, who went straight back down to League One following relegation at the end of last season.
The hosts remained unbeaten at Oakwell throughout the whole of their League one campaign last term, and form and results on home turf will play a crucial part again in their survival this season.
Star striker, Kieffer Moore bagged 17 goals last season in the third tier, and he’s likely to receive support from Cauley Woodrow who hit 12 goals last season. However, questions will be asked of Barnsley’s defence this season.
Two divisions separated Fulham from Barnsley last season but relegation from the Premier League along with Barnsley’s promotion means they’re now locking horns again in the second tier.
The London club are amongst the pre-season favourites to achieve promotion back up to the top flight this season, and although former player turned manager, Scott Parker, became Fulham’s third coach last season, he has made an instant impact and has brought some interesting new additions to the club.
Following their roaring success the last time they were in the Championship where The Cottagers achieved promotion under former manager, Jokanovic, the visitors quickly floundered in the harsh environment of the Premier League as their previous swashbuckling style was quickly exploited.
Former Leicester City manager, Claudio Ranieri, failed in his bid to sprinkle the magic dust over the London club and was dismissed with the writing on the wall for Fulham.
Parker took over a sinking ship but at least rallied his troops to record 3 wins on the trot over Everton, Bournemouth and Cardiff City, showing that Fulham could once again be a force to be reckoned with.
Much will depend on Mitrovic up front but he’ll benefit from the likes of Sessegnon and new signing Knockaert from Brighton in terms of creative support.
Fulham’s quality and depth should be enough to grab an early 3 points here.
#EFLSeasonLaunch = @EFL season is now just days away!#EFL pic.twitter.com/XGvY15e4Fm— EFL (@EFL) July 31, 2019
#EFLSeasonLaunch = @EFL season is now just days away!#EFL pic.twitter.com/XGvY15e4Fm