BRISTOL City will face three massive matches against former Premier League sides before the end of August after the new football league fixtures were announced on Wednesday.

And Bristol Rovers will have a big West Country derby away at Swindon before the first month of the campaign is over.

Bristol City will be hoping to gain at least a few points from their first five matches in August when they open their Championship account in from of their new Ashton Gate stand against Wigan Athletic on Saturday August 6.

They then have an away journey to newly-promoted Burton, who were playing in the Conference only a few seasons ago, on the following Saturday – but then come three enormous games that could define where they stand by the start of September.

City are on the road again on Tuesday August 16 at Carrow Road, Norwich, who will be one of three former Premier League outfits they tackle back-to-back.

The club will then expect a sell-out at Ashton Gate for the arrival of Newcastle United on Saturday August 20 before staying at home to host Aston Villa.

Both of those home games will be huge asks to get points from for City but are certain to see Ashton Gate packed to the rafters, and leave the bank balance bouncing.

City are away three times in September at Rotherham, Sheffield Wednesday and Fulham but entertain Derby and Leeds in that five-match run.

And fans will have to travel if they want to see City on Boxing Day as they are away in the Black Country in a tough encounter against Wolves.

Meanwhile, Rovers new life in League One, after their thrilling promotion season last year, begins with a long trip away to Scunthorpe before two top home clashes against Oxford United on August 13, followed by the visit of last year’s Championship side and former Premier League outfit Bolton Wanderers on August 16.

It is back on the road, though, for the Pirates after that as they travel to Southend on August 20 and then have the first of their mouth-watering West Country derbies against Swindon Town on August 27.

Rovers have also got a cracking Boxing Day match as they entertain Coventry City at the Memorial Stadium and will finish off their season on April 30 with a home match against Millwall.