English Championship returns on 20 June with London derby
The English Championship is set to resume on 20 June with a vital match in the promotion race, as Fulham host Brentford at Craven Cottage in a lunchtime kickoff.
No matches have been played in the second tier for three months due to the coronavirus outbreak, but the league is set to restart if all relevant safety measures can be met, with 20 June remaining a provisional start date for the moment.
Before the rest of the league kick off, Fulham and Brentford will recommence in a clash which could have consequences not only for the playoffs, but potentially the top two.
Fulham are currently third in the table, four points ahead of Brentford in fourth, but if they can claim all three points they can put pressure on West Brom, who are seven points clear in second.
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With nine games remaining both Fulham and Brentford harbour minute hope of automatic qualification, even though the playoffs look the most likely scenario for both.
Like every returning league, the Championship will have to adhere to new safety regulations when the match is being played, such as substitutes and other spectators social distancing in the dugout, and players being encouraged to avoid contact with team-mates during celebrations.
Pre-match handshakes won’t happen either, while every single remaining fixture will be played behind closed doors with no fans in attendance.
Leeds and West Brom are the two leading candidates for promotion, with Marcelo Bielsa’s outfit topping the championship by one point ahead of the Baggies.
Saturday, 20 June
Fulham v Brentford (12:30)
Blackburn Rovers v Bristol City
Huddersfield Town v Wigan Athletic
Hull City v Charlton Athletic
Luton Town v Preston North End
Middlesbrough v Swansea City
Millwall v Derby County
Queens Park Rangers v Barnsley
Reading v Stoke City
Sheffield Wednesday v Nottingham Forest
West Bromwich Albion v Birmingham City
Sunday, 21 June
Cardiff City v Leeds United (12:00 BST)