Five key dates for West Brom 2026/27 Championship season including derbies, interesting Boxing Day and kind run-in?

Albion diaries have been filled in for between August and May as the Championship fixture list for 2026/27 has been confirmed.

James Morrison’s Baggies hope to be significantly improve on an extremely poor 2025/26 campaign, where relegation was avoided at the 11th hour thanks to the now-permanent head coach.

Much of the anticipation for fixture release day centred around the two Black Country derby fixtures with Wolves back in the second tier following Premier League relegation.

There are always a string of eye-catching fixtures eagerly anticipated by supporters - and we have selected five key dates for the upcoming campaign.

Saturday, August 15

The opening day of the league campaign - the season itself begins the weekend before in the Carabao Cup - is always a big one.

The Baggies are on the road and it is a long trip, as they prepare to head down the A14 to Carrow Road to tackle Norwich City.

The Canaries, under Philippe Clement, were one of the form teams in the second half of last season.

It is one of the lengthier trips of the season out the way early, and that is a theme as the next Championship away day is in Middlesbrough later that month. The home season starts with a tricky test against relegated Burnley on August 22.

Happily, this season is not littered with lengthy midweek away trips like last campaign. Only Southampton (January 26) and Charlton (April 20) are mammoth midweek slogs away from The Hawthorns.

Saturday, September 19

The first Black Country derby of the season and the first in the league in front of supporters since the famous 5-1 thrashing at Molineux in 2012.

Baggies supporters may feel either a sense of relish or dread heading into this early-season trip to Molineux, which is the final clash before the first - extended - international break of the season, which spans three weeks.

Wolves appointed Portuguese boss Cesar Peixoto earlier this month after the surprise decision to axe Rob Edwards following relegation.

Saturday, December 26

Boxing Day is always a big day in the calendar and there is a more intriguing festive clash this season with a trip to newly-promoted Lincoln City.

Sincil Bank will be a new ground to visit for many Baggies supporters, though the club did travel there for a friendly last summer.

The clubs have not played each other in the league since 1910/11 and any other competition since an FA Cup in 1975/76 - won at The Hawthorns by Albion.

The last competitive trip to Sincil Bank was in the FA Cup in January 1961.

Lincoln have lost promotion-winning boss Michael Skubala, who joined Championship rivals Bristol City this summer. Chris Cohen and Tom Shaw are now in charge.

Saturday, February 20

The return Black Country derby takes place at The Hawthorns on the weekend of February 20.

All involved will hope it comes with less off-field controversy than the FA Cup fourth round clash of January 2024, where a delay of around 40 minutes was required due to trouble in the stands that spilled on to the pitch.

On the field it comes at a fascinating time for Morrison’s side, who are scheduled to make the short trip to Birmingham City the following weekend, February 27.

Saturday, May 1

The second tier is to come to a close on the weekend of May 1. Albion will face off against Bolton Wanderers, who won promotion via the League One play-offs, at The Hawthorns.

The penultimate fixture, the previous weekend, is also against a promotion-winner in Cardiff. Albion tackle Charlton, Middlesbrough and Watford in their final five games.

Other notable dates across the season include a trip to relegated West Ham on October 31 for a first league clash in front of fans since 2018, and there is Tony Mowbray’s return to the Baggies with new side Blackburn on October 17.