Following their relegation, Burnley and West Ham are scheduled to compete on the first weekend of the Championship season on August 16. Burnley, currently seeking a new manager after the potential deal for Craig Bellamy fell through, finished 19th last season and will host the Hammers, who were relegated on the final day of the previous campaign.
Nuno Espirito Santo remains in charge of West Ham as they attempt to earn promotion back to the top flight after 14 years. Wolves, another side recently relegated, will launch the new season against Blackburn at Molineux on August 14. All three relegated clubs are aiming for an immediate return to the Premier League, despite the recent trend of former top-flight sides struggling with successive demotions.
Elsewhere, Southampton begins the year with a four-point deduction following a spying scandal and will face Watford in their first match. Meanwhile, newly promoted Cardiff will host Wrexham in a Welsh derby. Several managerial changes have occurred across the league, including Michael Skubala moving to Bristol City and Tony Mowbray returning to Blackburn.
