Wanderers' Sky Bet Championship season kicks-off on Saturday lunchtime when Preston North End are the visitors to the Toughsheet Community Stadium for an opening day North-West derby, 12:30pm kick-off.
The Whites return to the second-tier after a seven-year absence, as Steven Schumacher's men prepare to take on Paul Heckingbottom's Lilywhites in front of the Sky cameras.
Both sides were in Carabao Cup first-round action last weekend, with Wanderers defeated 1-0 away to Sheffield Wednesday at Hillsborough, whilst North End overcame Huddersfield Town on penalties following a 1-1 draw after extra-time at Goodison Park.
The two teams last met in July 2025 pre-season friendly which Wanderers won 2-0 through goals from Amario Cozier-Duberry and Joel Randall.
The 2026/27 campaign will see Wanderers and Preston in the same division for the first-time since 2018/19.
Press Conferences:
Steven Schumacher:
"We're so looking forward to the opportunity, it's going to be a brilliant day, it's nearly sold out so if you haven't got your ticket, hurry up and get one before they sell out. We want it to be a good atmosphere, and we want to try and start this league campaign on the front foot and on a real positive note if we can.
"The message will be the same to the players, go out, enjoy yourself, play with no fear and go and try and win the game as we've waited long enough for it.
"They (Preston) will bring a really good following as well, it's our closest game logistically, so we're also going up against a fully established, well coached and well organised Championship outfit, so it's not a game that we'll just turn up and enjoy the occasion, we know that we're going to have to play really well in and we want to try and get the result that we want."
Preston North End Manager, Paul Heckingbottom:
“In terms of the first game, a derby away from home, the atmosphere, a Sky game, an early kick-off, full house, both sets of fans, it's perfect really to kick off the season.
“We need to make sure that we enjoy that and play a game which matches that occasion, because it is an occasion.”
Referee:
Adam Herczeg
Kick-Off:
Saturday, 12:30pm
Team News:
Ruben Rodrigues faces a spell on the side lines with knee ligament damage he sustained during the Carabao Cup defeat at Sheffield Wednesday.
Xavier Simons is suspended for the visit of Preston following his sending off against the Owls last weekend.
Tickets/Wanderers TV:
Limited tickets for Saturday's opening day, with 25,000 already sold. Get behind the lads and show your support from the stands by clicking here!
Supporters can purchase Wanderers TV audio passes and listen to full-match commentary from Derek Clark and John McGinlay.
International supporters can stream the game live. The fixture will be televised by Sky Sports + in the United Kingdom.
To purchase your Wanderers TV pass, please click here.