MANAGER Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink expects a tough opening day test as Burton Albion travel to Wycombe Wanderers for our 2022/23 Sky Bet League One curtain-raiser.
And the Brewers boss shares the fans' excitement at some of the mouth-watering clashes in next season's league - including local derbies against Port Vale and Derby County.
The Brewers follow that opening day trip to Adams Park with a home clash against newly-promoted Bristol Rovers, before visiting Accrington Stanley, hosting Ipswich Town and Port Vale then rounding off August with an away trip to Cambridge United.
Albion will also face local rivals Vale away on Saturday, March 18 - with fixtures against Derby County on Saturday, December 10 (Pirelli Stadium) and Saturday, April 22 (Pride Park).
"We start with Wycombe, who did well last season," said Hasselbaink. "We lost twice to them in the league, and we know it will be a tough start going to Adams Park.
"They were unlucky in the play-offs. This year they will look to be one of the ones who are there or thereabouts.
"Bristol Rovers are another big club joining the league and they will be well up for it.
"They have done great bouncing straight back up and have momentum from last season which went right up to the last game of the season.
"You need to take every day as it comes game, by game – it’s a very tough competition.
"It’s about being competitive every game. Each game is very difficult in its own way and it's almost tougher than ever."
Hasselbaink is anticipating plenty of big atmospheres at the Pirelli Stadium this season - and has urged fans to get hold of their Season Tickets as soon as possible to back the Brewers in 2022/23.
"Obviously, the fans will look out for the likes of the Derby County, Sheffield Wednesday, Portsmouth, Port Vale games," said the gaffer.
"These big games make for an extra special atmosphere, especially at the Pirelli, but we need our fans with us all season like they were last year because every game is just as important as each other!"
