Burnley will begin their 2026/27 campaign with a Carabao Cup tie, it’s been confirmed.
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Burnley players reflect on Premier League relegation following final day Wolves ...](https://www.burnleyexpress.net/sport/football/burnley-players-reflect-on-premier-league-relegation-following-final-day-wolves-draw-8639095 "Burnley players reflect on Premier League relegation following final day Wolves draw")
In years gone by, sides relegated from the Premier League in 18th and 19th place the previous season would often receive a bye through to the second round of the Carabao Cup.
But owing to eight English sides qualifying for Europe, both West Ham and Burnley will now begin their cup journey in the first round.
That means the Clarets’ 2026/27 season will officially begin on the weekend of August 7-9, with the Carabao Cup kicking off the week before the Championship gets underway.
The side that finishes in last place, which in this instance is Wolves, always enter the competition in the first round.
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Both Wolves and the Hammers will be among the early favourites for promotion alongside Burnley.
Championship football returns to Turf Moor next season (Photo by Wolverhampton Wanderers FC/Wolves via Getty Images)placeholder image
Championship football returns to Turf Moor next season (Photo by Wolverhampton Wanderers FC/Wolves via Getty Images)
But there will be plenty of competition, with the likes of Middlesbrough, Southampton, Sheffield United, Wrexham and Birmingham City also expected to be in the mix.
It comes after the Championship’s full line-up was confirmed over the weekend with the culmination of the Premier League season and the play-off finals.
Bolton Wanders joined Lincoln City and Cardiff City in sealing promotion from the third tier, following a 4-1 win over Stockport County at Wembley.
Championship line up in full
Birmingham City
Blackburn Rovers
Bolton Wanderers
Bristol City
Cardiff City
Charlton Athletic
Derby County
Lincoln City
Middlesbrough
Norwich City
Portsmouth
Preston North End
Sheffield United
Southampton
Stoke City
Swansea City
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