West Ham United are looking for a swift return to the Premier League after relegation. They smashed the EFL transfer record by spending £22m on Celtic midfielder Arne Engels and took Leeds striker Joel Piroe on loan. A 62,500‑strong crowd will watch the Hammers take on Charlton Athletic at the London Stadium, a first league meeting for 19 years that could test the Addicks’ patience.

Lincoln City, Bromley and York City are still pinching themselves after last season’s heroics. The Imps, who won the League One title, are back in the Championship after a 66‑year wait. Bromley, under Andy Woodman, have risen from the National League South to League One, while York City celebrated a last‑second equaliser to win the National League title.

Tony Mowbray’s second spell at Blackburn Rovers sees the 62‑year‑old battle Middlesbrough, where he began his playing career. Overcoming bowel cancer, Mowbray returned to Rovers in June, having guided them to promotion from League One in 2017‑18. He faces the Boro’s warm welcome at Ewood Park.

Other fixtures include Portsmouth at Sincil Bank, Burton Albion at the King Power Stadium and Cambridge United at Bromley’s home ground. The weekend’s EFL action promises drama as clubs like Rotherham United, York City and others fight for survival or promotion.