How Leeds United's August fixtures compare with their rivals and who will set the early pace

Luton Town have the toughest start to the Championship season - on paper at least.

The Hatters’ opening six opponents had an average finishing position of 27.8 in the English football pyramid last season.

That works out as 7.8th in the Championship - the highest of any club in the division.

Blackburn have the next toughest start in the Championship. Rovers’ opening six matches, which takes us to the first international break, are against teams with an average finishing position of 8.0 last season.

Blackburn Rovers players stands shocked and dejected after they concede a third goal late in the game to lose the match during the Championship match at Elland Road on Wednesday, December 26, 2018 between Leeds United and Blackburn Rovers (John Walton/PA Wire)

Derby have the next toughest (8.2) followed by Millwall (8.2) and Reading (9.0).

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 Athletic (16.2) and West Bromwich Albion (16.0).

Average league position of opening six opponents

Club // Average

1. Luton Town // 7.8
2. Blackburn Rovers // 8.0
3. Derby County // 8.2
4. Millwall // 8.2
5. Reading // 9.0
6. Nottingham Forest // 10.7
7. Queens Park Rangers // 10.7
8. Bristol City // 10.8
9. Huddersfield Town // 11.2
10. Wigan Athletic // 11.2
11. Fulham // 11.5
12. Leeds United // 12.0
13. Swansea City // 12.0
14. Brentford // 12.2
15. Cardiff City // 12.8
16. Birmingham City // 13.3
17. Hull City // 14.2
18. Preston North End // 14.3
19. Stoke City // 14.3
20. West Bromwich Albion // 16.0
21. Charlton Athletic // 16.2
22. Barnsley // 16.3
23. Middlesbrough // 16.3
24. Sheffield Wednesday // 20.8