STRAIGHT INTO THE LIONS 'DEN'

Photo: Alan Howarth

Latics draw Wigan in the EFL Cup

ATHLETIC face a quick return to Millwall to kick off their 2016-17 campaign, in a difficult opening to the campaign.

A fiery clash at The Den in the final away-day of last season saw home supporters embark on a pitch invasion on the full-time whistle which sparked an FA investigation, after Anthony Gerrard appeared to be slapped in the face by a Lions supporter.

Neil Harris's men won 3-0 that day and went on to feature in the League One play-off final, losing 3-1 to Barnsley.

After that opener on Saturday, August 6, Athletic run out at SportsDirect.com Park a week later against another side that featured in the play-offs, Walsall.

And the opening month features a third clash against a club which ended last term in the top six. Bradford, who lost to Millwall in the play-off semi-finals, host Athletic on Saturday, August 27.

Athletic's first game against relegated local rivals Bolton is at the Macron Stadium on Saturday, October 15, with the home return on Good Friday, April 15.

Rochdale host Athletic on Saturday, October 29, with the Spotland side making the short trip in the final home match of the campaign on Saturday, April 22.

The festive period brings with it a trip to Sheffield United on Boxing Day, followed by Fleetwood away on New Year's Eve. Port Vale at home is on Monday, January 2.

The final game of the season is a long journey to promoted AFC Wimbledon on Sunday, April 30 (12.30pm kick-off). All fixtures are subject to change.

Oldham were drawn at home against Wigan Athletic in the first round of the EFL Cup, fixture dates to be confirmed.

Athletic were unseeded in the Northern half of the draw.