Lancashire

Two relegated clubs will go head-to-head to open up their returns to the Championship as Burnley welcome West Ham United on Sunday (16:00 BST).

The Clarets will be under the guidance of new head coach Nicky Hayen as they look to get a third successive promotion to the top flight this season.

While for the Hammers, the headlines remain on off-field issues.

• Since a run of three successive league wins between December 2018 and July 2020, Burnley are winless in each of their last eight league encounters with West Ham United (D3 L5).

• West Ham United have won on three of their last four league visits to Burnley (D1), including a 2-0 victory in the Premier League last season, one of only four away victories.

• Since a 1-2 defeat to QPR in April 2023, Burnley are unbeaten in their last 24 EFL Championship matches at Turf Moor (W15 D9).

• While Burnley picked up fewer home points in the Premier League last season than any other side (13), only Leeds United (15), Burnley (9) and Wolverhampton Wanderers (6) accrued fewer on the road than West Ham (17).

• West Ham's Jarrod Bowen was one of six players in the Premier League last season to record at least 20 goal involvements (9 goals, 11 assists), with only Bruno Fernandes (21) and Rayan Cherki (12) providing more assists

Image source, Getty Images

Preston have signed French midfielder Leo Leroy from Basel on a three-year-deal.

The 26-year-old previously played in Ligue 1 for Montpellier before spending the last two years in the Swiss Super League with Basel.

During his time there Leroy played in both the Champions League and Europa League as well as winning the league and Swiss Cup, scoring five goals in 93 appearances.

Preston boss Paul Heckingbottom said Leroy will bring quality, calmness and experience to what he hopes will be a promotion push at Deepdale.

"He's a good technical player, with great experience and someone who's comfortable getting on the ball in deeper positions, but also someone who likes to join the attacks as well," Heckingbottom told the club website, external.

Preston open their Championship campaign at local rivals Bolton on Saturday.

Image source, Getty Images

Preston North End left-back Thierry Small could be in contention to play in their opening Championship game against Bolton on Saturday (12:30 BST).

The 21-year-old picked up an ankle knock during a pre-season game against Bamber Bridge in July and boss Paul Heckingbottom is keeping an eye on "how he reacts" as he returns to training before making a decision.

"[Small] has made good progress this last week," Heckingbottom said.

"He trained fully today. In fact, he's out there now doing a bit extra because obviously he missed a fair chunk of pre-season.

"For someone who is a naturally fit boy, works hard, it will not take him long to get back up to speed."

Heckingbottom also confirmed that midfielder Ali McCann has taken the role of club captain following the departure of Ben Whiteman to Wrexham.

Defender Lewis Gibson has been appointed vice-captain.

"Ali epitomises most of, if not all, the good things that have been going on at Preston," Heckingbottom added.

"I think they are good role models and set good examples."

Watch the full interview below or listen on BBC Sounds here.

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Man City defender Max Alleyne, 21, who shone on loan at Watford last season, is set to join Burnley on a season-long loan. (Daily Mail, external)

Want more transfer news from the EFL? Take a look at Thursday's gossip column here.

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