Championship 2019/20 fixtures: How Millwall, QPR and…

Championship 2019/20 fixtures: How Millwall, QPR and Charlton's starts compare with their rivals

Millwall have one of the toughest starts to the Championship season - on paper at least.

The Lions' opening six opponents had an average finishing position of 8.2 in the league last season. That’s the joint third highest average in the Championship, along with Derby County.

Millwall could claim to have a harder start than Derby though as the Lions’ toughest matches are away whereas Derby’s are at home.

Luton Town have the toughest start to life in the Championship, according to the average finishing positions. The Hatters’ opening six matches - which takes us to the first international break - are against teams with an average finishing position of 7.8 last season.

Blackburn have the next toughest (8.0) followed by Derby and Millwall (8.2 each).

In contrast, Sheffield Wednesday have the division's easiest start to the season. The Owls could get off to a flier, with their opening six matches being against teams who had an average finishing league position of 20.8 last season.

Middlesbrough have the next easiest start (16.3) followed by Barnsley (16.3), Charlton (16.2) and West Brom (16.0).

The average finishing league positions have been worked out using where teams finished in the league last season.

Relegated teams were given the positions 1st, 2nd and 3rd, while those promoted were given their positions relevant to the Championship - 25th, 26th and 27th.

The average league position of opening six opponents

Club - Average

Luton Town - 7.8

Blackburn Rovers - 8.0

Derby County - 8.2

Millwall - 8.2

Reading - 9.0

Nottingham Forest - 10.7

Queens Park Rangers - 10.7

Bristol City - 10.8

Huddersfield Town - 11.2

Wigan Athletic - 11.2