Swansea v Birmingham Sat 5 Aug 15:00
Here we go, another Championship season starts this Saturday.
This one could be the toughest yet, with so many top clubs competing.
Last season ended in style with a flourish of points after suffering that long run without a win. So close, three points short of a play-off spot, fans rueing the owners decision not to strengthen the team in January.
Well big things have happened since then with Russell Martin and his coaching team being poached by Southampton.
Michael Duff replaced him, and new investors came on board, a new Chairman was appointed and a flurry of activity in the player transfer market took place.

Out -
Michael Obafemi, Ryan Manning, Joel Laitbeaudiere, Morgan Whittaker, Kyle Joseph and loanees Andreas Sondergaard, Luke Cundle, Fin Stevens

In -
Josh Ginnelly, Jerry Yates, Josh Key, Mykola Kuharevich, Carl Rushworth, Harrison Ashby

That elusive left-back position hasn’t been fulfilled yet after Ryan Manning went to Southampton for more money. Lee Buchanan was lined up to replace him but Birmingham gazumped us for his signature and the search resumes with a month left of the transfer window.
Our opponents Birmingham have also been busy, with new owners and a big overhaul of players, 12 out and 9 in so far.
Last Saturday they lost 3-2 at Peterborough in their final pre-season game. They’ve sold out their ticket allocation and will bring almost 2k fans with them to Swansea, so it should be a good atmosphere.
Early matches of a new season are so hard to predict. With both teams introducing so many new players it’s anyone’s guess who’ll come out on top.