Leicester v West Ham
Leicester v West Ham promises to be the Match of the Day as it pits newly relegated City against the team that was relegated 12 months previously and just failed to make an instant return. Micky Adams has brought in a wealth of experience, most notably Martin Keown, Dion Dublin and Jason Wilcox, who have plenty of silverware from their careers in the top flight. Indeed Wilcox, who won a Premiership title with Blackburn feels that this game could give a strong indication of how Leicester's promotion credentials add up.
One of the cracking attractions of this fixture is David Connolly, City's £500,000 capture from Upton Park, facing his former club on his first league outing for Leicester. Always a threat, in the box, Connolly, when his mind is on it, is one of the top strikers in the country and will certainly be fired up for this game.Last season West Ham gave away so many winning positions in games that had they held on to the points they would have gained automatic promotion. Leicester too were frail when it came to conceding late goals that proved decisive in the final analysis so this game could well be full of goals.
Danny Tiatto, suspended, and Matt Elliott, knee injury, will be missing from the City line-up while Luke Chadwick should make his Hammers' debut. Michael Carrick is unlikely to play as the race for him hots up, especially after Arsenal entered the running.
Beardo's verdictI think home advantage, and the excitement of a new season starting, will benefit Leicester and I think they will probably edge this game, but maybe only by the odd goal.
Burnley v Sheffield United
New Clarets manager Steve Cotterill will have his work cut out to make an impact in a very competitive division and Burnley couldn't have a harder start to the campaign than Sheffield United, who have brought in some players of Premiership quality, notably Jon Harley and Barry Hayles. Ian Moore and Robbie Blake will start up front for Burnley. The Blades will be fired up by last season's failure to impact on the play-offs and I think they will start with a win.
Beardo's Verdict Burnley are capable of wining a point.
Coventry City v Sunderland
Peter Reid, Coventry's new manager, leads City against his former club, with whom he spent seven years, in an interesting opening day encounter. Sunderland are another of the group of pre-season favourites for promotion but, as they found out last campaign, that is no guarantee of success. Tim Sherwood and Michael Doyle will be key for Coventry and Mick McCarthy would see a point away from home as a good return from Highfield Road. Steve Elliott stands by for his Sunderland debut if Kevin Kyle fails a fitness test.
Beardo's Verdict I think this will be a draw.
Crewe Alexandra v Cardiff
Games between these two sides are always eventful and Cardiff are amongst those clubs favoured to contest the play-offs, if not better. Crewe lost their most experienced players, David Wright and Dave Brammer, in the close season but have recruited former player Mark Rivers, from Norwich. The Alex looked unsure in pre-season, although they did beat Everton, but I think they might find Cardiff a tough proposition.On loan Keith Briggs looks set to replace groin victim Anthony Tonkin, for the home side, while Dean Ashton and Mark Rivers will be the strike pair. Cardiff's strike force will be Alan Lee and Rob Earnshaw.
Beardo's verdict Away win
Ipswich Town v Gillingham
Ipswich will be a better side this season having added the steel of Jason de Vos and Kevin Horlock to a squad that was over-generous to opposing teams last season, although de Vos, with a knee problem, is a doubt. Skipper Jim Magilton is also an Ipswich doubt due to a thigh injury. Gillingham have strengthened their side and in Iwan Roberts and Darren Byefield they have potent strikers, at opposite ends of their careers, both are set to start.
Beardo's verdictThis will be a hard fought game and I think Gillingham are capable of a point but I think Town will just edge the points from a tough game.
Plymouth Argyle v Millwall
Argyle took the Second Division campionship with style last season but how they start in the Championship will go a long way towards showing if they can survive in this higher division. Millwall should have shaken off the after effects of their poor league record after reaching the FA Cup Final and will provide a stern test in this game.
Beardo's verdictAfter perhaps dominating early on I think experience of this division will tell and I take Millwall to come away with the points.
Preston v Watford
North End will be grateful to get the campaign started after being unable to field a full-strength side in any of their pre-season games. But Preston were boosted by the surprise news that Ricardo Fuller could well start, despite news in the week that he was flying to America to see a knee specialist, next Wednesday.
Beardo's verdictWith Andy Smith and David Healey in tandem up front, at some stage of the game, they should have too much for Watford so I go for a home win. .
QPR v Rotherham
Newly promoted Rangers will be hoping that their 'off the field' financial problems don't spoil their big day. But Rotherham, now almost an established side at this level, will be aiming to do just that. The Millers snapped up Robbie Stockdale and Phil Gilchrist during the close season and they will bring Premiership class to a hard working side that will be probably be too strong for a Rangers' team missing Jamie Cureton. Paul Shaw, on loan from Sheffield United, is set for his Rotherham debut.
Beardo's verdictAway win.
Reading v Brighton
Steve Coppell's new team will probably provide a 'baptism of fire' for his former club on their return to the division. Brighton relied heavily on Leon Knight last season but he is suspended, while the Royals have goal-threat in abudance with Shaun Goater, Nicky Forster and Dave Kitson PLUS Andy Hughes from midfield.
Beardo's verdictI cannot see anything other than a home win, especially as Brighton keeper Ben Roberts is missing through injury.
Wigan v Nottingham Forest
After missing out so narrowly on last season's play-offs I can't see Paul Jewell needing to motivate his players for a surge on promotion this season. But his team is facing 'Miracle Man' Joe Kinnear, who saved Forest from relegation with his special brand of management. Andy Reid's transfer request, just days ahead of the kick-off could have been better timed. If he plays as the JJB Stadium will the transfer situation have an effect, we'll see. Emerson Thome is likely to start his Latics' career on the bench.
Beardo's verdictI go for a Wigan win.
Leeds v Derby County
The Leeds fans will be forgiven if they rub their eyes in trying to recognise the team that Kevin Blackwell puts out at Elland Road. Gelling a completely new set of players together could be Leeds' biggest problem while Derby have a relatively settled group.
Beardo's verddictI think the Rams, despite Mo Konjic being injured, could shock United and I think this could be a draw.
Stoke v Wolverhampton Wanderers
This is set to be a real battle, with Midland's rivalry thrown in for good measure. Both teams are strong, physically, so it will probably come down to the quality of the players on view. If that is the case then Wolves, with players of a season's Premiership football experience behind them, would have the edge. Having said that Stoke came very close to the play-offs last season, so, a draw would seem to be the most likely outcome.
Beardo's verdictDraw
