Nottingham Forest are facing one of their toughest starts to a Championship season in recent memory.
Their opening day clash with West Bromwich Albion promises fireworks at the City Ground, but just eight days later they head to Elland Road to take on old rivals Leeds United, who will themselves see anything short of promotion in May as failure.
But how does their tricky start compare to the rest of the division?
Luton Town seemingly 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 footballing pyramid last season - that works out as 7.8 in the Championship.
Blackburn have the next toughest start.
Rovers’ opening six matches - which takes us to the first international break - are against teams with an average finishing position of 8th last season.
Despite Forest's intense start to the campaign, East Midlands rivals Derby actually have a harder opening six games.
Their first six opponents had an average finishing position of 8.2 in the second tier, followed by Millwall (also 8.2).
Martin O'Neill's first six rivals finished, on average, 10.7 last season.
As for the easier opening few games, Sheffield Wednesday 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).
Here is the full list:
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
Fulham - 11.5
Leeds United - 12.0
Swansea City - 12.0
Brentford - 12.2
Cardiff City - 12.8
Birmingham City - 13.3
Hull City - 14.2
Preston North End - 14.3
Stoke City - 14.3
West Bromwich Albion - 16.0
Charlton Athletic - 16.2
Barnsley - 16.3
Middlesbrough - 16.3
Sheffield Wednesday - 20.8
