EFL Round One draw to be made on Facebook at 1pm
The 2016/17 EFL fixtures were released on Wednesday morning, with Oxford United’s first campaign in the third tier for 16 years starting with a home game against Chesterfield on Saturday 6th August.
The U’s have also been handed a home match on Boxing Day, when they will entertain fellow-promoted side Northampton Town, while on New Year’s Eve Walsall are the visitors to Grenoble Road. The campaign concludes with another home game, against Shrewsbury Town, on Sunday 30th April.
Local rivals Swindon Town come to Oxford on Saturday 10th September, with the return fixture on Saturday 4th February, while United’s first-ever game against MK Dons will be at Stadium MK on Saturday 17th September.
Other significant games include a visit to Coventry on Tuesday 18th October, with the return fixture just a month later, on Saturday 19th November. Sheffield United are due in town on Saturday 28th January. Oxford’s first away game is at Bristol Rovers on Saturday 13th August, with a trip to Fleetwood the following Tuesday. United host Port Vale on Easter Monday.
Oxford United head coach Michael Appleton commented: “It’s an exciting day for all EFL clubs up and down the country. It makes the realisation come to life that we’re in a better division with bigger and better clubs. It will be nice to start the season with a home game.”
See Oxford's full 2016/17 fixture list HERE.
Meanwhile, the draw for this season’s EFL Cup has given United an away tie at Championship side Birmingham City. The game will be played at St Andrews, week commencing 8th August.