Burnley and West Ham face off in EFL Championship opener

Burnley and West Ham United are set to face each other in an EFL Championship match at Turf Moor on Sunday, August 16, 2026. Both clubs enter the new campaign following relegation from the Premier League in the previous season.

West Ham, managed by Nuno Espírito Santo, enters the match following a 3-1 Carabao Cup victory over Portsmouth. Despite some concerns regarding the pace of their transfer business, the squad remains a favorite for promotion. Key players to watch include Jarrod Bowen and Valentin Castellanos.

Burnley enters the fixture under new manager Nicky Hayen, who has faced challenges during the preseason with no wins in six outings. The match serves as a significant test for Hayen in his English league debut as the club seeks to stabilize after a difficult previous season.