West Ham United are pushing for a rapid return to the Premier League, having invested significantly in their squad. The Hammers broke the EFL transfer record with a £22m acquisition of Celtic midfielder Arne Engels and also brought in Leeds striker Joel Piroe on loan. They are set to play Charlton at the London Stadium in front of a 62,500 sell-out crowd.
Meanwhile, Lincoln City are celebrating a historic return to the Championship, preparing for their first home game in the second tier in 66 years. The Imps will welcome Portsmouth on Saturday, a significant moment for fans who have seen the club navigate non-league football since their last Championship outing.
Elsewhere in the EFL, Blackburn Rovers manager Tony Mowbray is set to face Middlesbrough, the club where he began his playing career and later managed. Mowbray, who recently overcame bowel cancer, returned to Rovers for a second stint in June and led them to promotion from League One in 2017-18.
Leicester City, recently relegated from the Championship, will host Burton Albion, a stark contrast to their Premier League title-winning season. Bromley, having risen from the National League South, are delighted to be in League One and will open their home campaign against Cambridge United.
Rotherham United, now in League Two, are looking to halt their slide under new head of football Steve McClaren and head coach Alex Bruce. They face a buoyant York City, who are aiming for a second successive promotion after beating Bristol Rovers last weekend.