Two of last season's relegated Premier League clubs go head-to-head on the opening day of the 2026/27 Championship campaign, as Burnley play host to West Ham.
These two teams know each other very well, but amazingly, this is the first time that the pair have met outside of England's top flight, and with both teams aiming for automatic promotion this season, it is imperative to get off to a positive start.
History favours the Hammers in this game. The Londoners won both meetings between the pair last season, are unbeaten in their last eight against Burnley, and have won three of their last four trips to Turf Moor.
Pre-season hasn't gone to plan for Burnley, who failed to win any of their six friendly matches and then needed a penalty shootout victory to defeat Notts County in the League Cup.
West Ham, on the other hand, remained unbeaten in their warm-up games heading into the new season, picking up a big win against Stevenage and draws with Southend, Rangers and German side Magdeburg. The Hammers looked good in their League Cup tie against Portsmouth, running out 3-1 winners in the end after going behind in the 33rd minute.
Jarrod Bowen got on the scoresheet in that game, and the Hammers' faithful will be delighted to see their captain sticking around this season, as that gives them a huge boost in their mission to return to the Premier League at the first time of asking.
Bowen was West Ham's top goalscorer last season, netting nine in 38 appearances, and the last time he played in the Championship with Hull City, the England international scored 16 goals in 29 matches before signing for West Ham midway through the campaign.
Burnley 1-2 West Ham
