Sunderland and Derby County will get the 2017/18 Sky Bet EFL season started when the pair lock horns at the Stadium of Light on Friday 4th August.

It will be the Black Cats' first term in the second tier since 2006/07, and Sky Sports have selected the season opener against the Rams as one of three televised fixtures over the opening weekend.

The following day, Steve Bruce will welcome his former side to Villa Park in a 5:30pm kick-off when Aston Villa host recently relegated Hull City, bringing Saturday's EFL action to a close.

The final game of the opening weekend will see Bolton Wanderers make their return to the Sky Bet Championship. At 4:30pm on Sunday 6th August, the Trotters will entertain Leeds United, who will be under the stewardship of new head coach Thomas Christiansen for the first time in a competitive match.

Opening weekend Sky Bet EFL matches selected for Sky Sports coverage

- Friday 4th August: Sunderland v Derby County (7:45pm)

- Saturday 5th August: Aston Villa v Hull City (5:30pm)

- Sunday 6th August: Bolton Wanderers v Leeds United (4:30pm)

Throughout the course of the 2017/18 season, Sky Sports will exclusively show 127 live matches from the Sky Bet EFL season – including the Play-Offs – as well as 15 matches from the Carabao Cup and at least three from the Checkatrade Trophy.

As with 2016/17, the EFL and broadcast partner Sky Sports have again committed to give clubs and supporters at least five weeks’ notice ahead of any EFL matches being selected for live television coverage.

As part of the agreement, the EFL will publicly announce any fixture changes within three working days of their selection (following club consideration) in order to give EFL supporters as much time as is possible to allow for any alterations to travel plans that may be required.

If both the EFL and Sky Sports are unable to meet this timeframe, then the clubs involved have the ability to choose not to be broadcast live on television. However, if both clubs mutually agree to the rescheduling of the fixture within this five-week period then the game will be televised on the new date.

TV Games: Click here for the list of confirmed EFL matches to be shown on Sky Sports