Sheffield United - Birmingham
Last updated: Today, at Championship curtain-raiser at Bramall Lane
The Championship season begins at Bramall Lane on Saturday, 15 August 2026, as Sheffield United host Birmingham City. Both sides come into this opening fixture off the back of positive results in the EFL Cup last weekend, with Sheffield United securing a 3-0 away win against Mansfield Town and Birmingham City claiming a 1-0 victory at Swansea City. These early cup successes may offer a degree of confidence as they prepare to face each other in league action.
The expected starting lineups suggest attacking intent from both teams, with multiple forwards named. Sheffield United could look to the attacking partnership of Thomas Cannon and Patrick Bamford, supported by a midfield featuring Callum O'Hare and Tahith Chong. Birmingham City, meanwhile, are expected to field Jay Stansfield and August Priske up front, with Seung-Ho Paik and Tomoki Iwata providing midfield impetus. The recent head-to-head record between these two clubs is closely contested, with Sheffield United having won two of their last three league meetings.
