The Championship kicked off on Friday night as Sunderland drew with Derby and Nottingham Forest beat Millwall.
Opening fixtures for the rest of the league take place on Saturday and Sunday as each club tries to establish itself as a contender for a place in the Premier League or keep its head above water.
Sportsmail's Adam Shergold has taken a look at the division as the season begins in earnest.
ASTON VILLA: Despite finishing 13th on their return to the second tier last season, Villa are many bookmakers’ favourites for promotion.
There are no excuses for manager Steve Bruce, who inherited a chaotic situation from Roberto Di Matteo last October but has now had a summer to shape his squad.