Best draws: Bristol City v Wigan, Derby v Brighton, Cheltenham v Leyton Orient, Plymouth v Luton, Falkirk v Hibernian.
Best weekend away bets: Manchester United, Newcastle (playing on Friday), Charlton, Wycombe, Mansfield, Motherwell.
Best weekend home bets: Blackburn, Ipswich, Rotherham, Bradford City, Millwall, Walsall, Blackpool, Grimsby, Portsmouth, Rangers.
Pick of the draws: Wigan won League One impressively last season and I believe they'll take that form into the Championship. They have a tough opening game at Bristol City but they are good enough to get something from it. Chris Hughton's Brighton were unlucky not to be promoted to the Premier League and they are capable of holding Derby, whose challenge faded alarmingly last season. Cheltenham are back in League Two after topping last season's National League. I think the feel-good factor will enable them to share the spoils with Leyton Orient. Plymouth failed to do themselves justice in last season's League Two play-off final against AFC Wimbledon and I wouldn't be surprised to see them drop points against Luton. Falkirk and Hibernian were very well matched in last season's Scottish Championship and it's difficult to separate them now.
Away days: Manchester United, now managed by serial winner Jose Mourinho, will be eager to make a statement of intent in Sunday's FA Community Shield. Boosted by big-name signings in the summer, United will probably be too strong for Leicester, unexpected but deserved winners of last season's Premier League. Newcastle are favourites for an automatic return to the Premier League and Rafa Benitez's players should make no mistake when visiting Fulham on Friday. Relegated Charlton are expected to be among the League One front-runners and a trip to Bury should hold no fears. In League Two, Wycombe's prospects look brighter than Saturday's opponents, Crawley, and I'm backing Mansfield to kick off with three points at Newport, who only just avoided relegation. In the Scottish Premiership, Motherwell are a confident selection at Kilmarnock, who were embarrassingly beaten by Albion, of Division One, in the Betfred Cup.
Homes sweet homes: Owen Coyle has returned to management at Blackburn, who have a fighting chance against Norwich, who may still have a hangover from last season's relegation from the Premier League. Rotherham can take advantage of the recent upheaval at Wolves and gain maximum Championship points. The surprising dismissal of manager Kenny Jackett so close to the start of the season has not gone down well with Wolves fans. Grimsby are back in the Football League and I expect them to celebrate by beating Morecambe in their League Two clash. Rangers are also back where they belong - in the Scottish Premiership. Put your money on them defeating Hamilton at Ibrox.
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