Blackpool will be keen to hit the ground running, while expectations have been raised at Bristol City.
Robins look for lift off against the Seasiders
Blackpool will be keen to hit the ground running, while expectations have been raised at Bristol City.
The Seasiders are widely tipped to be drawn into the relegation dogfight this season and, as such, will be keen to silence those detractors.
City, on the other hand, only narrowly missed out on a place in the Premier League last term and will be looking to repeat their 2007/08 heroics.
Debuts galore
Blackpool boss Simon Grayson will hand debuts to several new signings in their Bloomfield Road opener.
Grayson has been one of the busiest managers in English football this summer, bringing in 12 new faces.
They are Marlon Broomes, Matt Gilks, Joe Martin, Alex John-Baptiste, Jermaine Wright, Steve Kabba, Adam Hammill, Rob Edwards, Daniel Nardiello, Zesh Rehman, Mo Camara and David Vaughan.
However, Nardiello (back) and Kabba (Achilles) look almost certain to miss out and Vaughan is awaiting international clearance from the Spanish Football Association following his £200,000 move from Real Sociedad.
Derby left-back Camara, 33, has arrived on an emergency loan basis and could start against the Robins, with Stephen Crainey doubtful with a groin injury.
Trio miss out
Bristol City manager Gary Johnson will be without three players when the Robins begin their Championship campaign.
Marvin Elliott has succumbed to a knee injury so Cole Skuse is likely to replace him in midfield.
Scott Murray misses out with a broken wrist while Jordan Walker is not available for selection after injuring his leg during pre-season.
Johnson must decide between Adriano Basso and Chris Weale for the goalkeeper's jersey.
Brazilian Basso, who was ever-reliable last season, has been struggling with a string of niggling injuries over the summer while Weale has impressed between the posts in his absence.
Club-record signing Nicky Maynard and fellow new arrival Gavin Williams are in contention to make their debuts.
