Bristol City and Millwall begin their 2026-27 Championship campaigns at Ashton Gate on Saturday, with both clubs hoping to challenge towards the upper end of the division this season.

Michael Skubala takes charge of his first league game as Bristol City boss after arriving from League One champions Lincoln City, while Alex Neil remains at the helm of a Millwall side that finished third last season before suffering playoff disappointment against Hull City.

Both teams have already been in competitive action in the EFL Cup, although with contrasting outcomes. Bristol City suffered a surprise defeat against League Two Walsall, while Millwall survived a penalty shootout against Queens Park Rangers.

Bristol City start a new chapter under Skubala

Bristol City are looking for greater stability after a season in which both Gerhard Struber and Roy Hodgson occupied the dugout before the Robins eventually finished 12th.

Skubala arrives with his reputation enhanced considerably after guiding Lincoln City to the League One title, and Bristol City’s summer recruitment suggests they have backed their new manager with players capable of making an immediate impact.

Sam Tickle arrives after keeping 13 clean sheets for a struggling Wigan side, while Lorent Tolaj was the fourth-highest scorer in League One last season. Dom Ballard provides another significant attacking addition after winning the division’s Golden Boot, with Sam Greenwood and Rio Cardines further strengthening the squad.

There were encouraging signs during pre-season, when Bristol City lost only twice in seven matches and produced an eye-catching 4-1 victory over Newcastle United. Their first competitive result was considerably less impressive, however, as a strong Robins side were knocked out of the EFL Cup by League Two Walsall.

Skubala may resist the temptation to make wholesale changes after that defeat. Recent arrival Cardines is in contention to make his debut, but Luke McNally and Adam Murphy remain unavailable.

Expectations should nevertheless be higher at Ashton Gate this season. Bristol City reached the playoffs two years ago and have recruited several players who excelled at League One level, but Saturday provides the first indication of how quickly Skubala can turn those additions into an effective Championship side.

Millwall look to move on from playoff disappointment

Millwall’s third-place finish last season represented an excellent campaign, but the manner in which it ended will have been difficult to forget.

Neil’s side collected 83 points from 46 matches and finished 10 points above sixth-placed Hull City, only for the Tigers to eliminate them in the playoff semi-finals. After a goalless first leg at the MKM Stadium, Millwall were beaten 2-0 at The Den and saw their hopes of reaching the Premier League disappear.

The challenge now is to turn that disappointment into another promotion push rather than allowing it to linger into the new season.

Seven summer signings have refreshed Neil’s squad, with £5.1m arrival Mathis Servais among the most significant additions. Lyndon Dykes has also joined on a free transfer following his involvement with Scotland at the World Cup, although his lack of recent club football may prevent him from starting at Ashton Gate.

Millwall have already demonstrated some resilience this season. Their EFL Cup meeting with QPR went to penalties after an 86th-minute own goal denied them victory in normal time, but goalkeeper Lukas Jensen produced an outstanding shootout performance by saving four penalties to send the Lions through.

Jensen should retain his place after those heroics, while Servais is pushing for his first competitive start. Caleb Taylor has returned from a foot injury and could remain in defence, but Massimo Luongo is still sidelined.

Verdict

Bristol City’s summer recruitment gives Skubala plenty to work with, although the EFL Cup defeat to Walsall showed that assembling an impressive-looking squad and immediately turning it into a cohesive team are two different things.

Millwall have more continuity after last season’s third-place finish and should travel to Ashton Gate believing they can begin another promotion challenge with a positive result.

There is little between the sides on opening day, and with both still integrating summer additions, a competitive match could finish without either team taking maximum points.

Tip

Draw.