Championship fixtures 2023-24: Key matches and dates

The 2023-24 Championship season kicks off on Friday, August 4, when newly-promoted Sheffield Wednesday host Southampton in an 8pm kick-off.

Ahead of what is sure to be another memorable second-tier campaign, we run through some of the key dates to look out for.

Relegated teams in action

Saints will be itching to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking after a dismal 2022-23 season and will back themselves to make a winning start at Hillsborough.

Leeds joined Leicester in dropping down from the top flight last season and the West Yorkshire outfit host Cardiff on Sunday, August 6, in a 2.30pm kick-off.

The Foxes play Coventry at the King Power Stadium on the same day at 12pm.

Promoted teams ready to roll

Plymouth and Ipswich secured promotion by finishing in League One's top two.

Ipswich begin their campaign at Sunderland on August 6, in a 5pm kick-off, while the Pilgrims host Huddersfield the day before at 3pm.

Welsh derby

A fixture that rarely disappoints, the first South Wales derby of the season will take place on Saturday, September 16, at the Cardiff City Stadium.

The return meeting will then be played on Saturday, March 16, at Swansea.

Yorkshire rivalry

Wednesday will play fierce rivals Leeds for the first time in over three years on Saturday, September 2, at Elland Road.

The two teams then do battle again at Hillsborough on Saturday, March 9.

East Anglian showdown

The East Anglian rivalry resumes next season thanks to Ipswich's impressive League One showing last term.

The two teams lock horns on Saturday, December 16, at Portman Road, with the reverse fixture at Carrow Road scheduled for Saturday, April 6.

Collision course

Leicester and Southampton will be two of the favourites for promotion, with the Foxes famously beating Saints 9-0 at St Mary's in October 2019.

The pair meet on Saturday, September 16, on the South Coast and then play each other for a second time on Saturday, March 16, at the King Power.