QPR have been handed a home game against Barnsley on the first day of the season after the Championship fixtures were announced today.

The R's will be confident of getting off to a winning start on August 9 as they hold a 19-match unbeaten record against the Tykes at Loftus Road.

Iain Dowie's side travel to Sheffield United the following weekend before entertaining newly promoted Doncaster Rovers on August 23.

Some of the stand out fixtures include the visit of Birmingham City on October 28 and local clashes with Charlton and Watford on Boxing Day and December 28. Rangers will be expected to make an impact this season and have already been installed as the 6-1 favourites for the Championship.