Albion have avoided TV disruption at the start of the season.

Their opening game away to Derby County on Saturday August 6 (3pm) has not been selected for live coverage by Sky.

The satellite broadcasters have plumped instead for Newcastle’s trip to Fulham, Aston Villa’s game at Sheffield Wednesday and the visit of Leeds to QPR.

Rafa Benitez and Newcastle get the new Championship season underway on Friday August 5 (7.45pm).

The matches involving Roberto Di Matteo’s Villa and Garry Monk’s Leeds are staged on Sunday August 7, at 4.30pm and noon respectively.

Many Albion fans will be relieved the fixture at Derby, between last season’s two beaten play-off semi-finalists, has not been selected.

Last season’s opener at home to Nottingham Forest was brought forward from a Saturday to Friday evening to accommodate the cameras.

Supporters subsequently complained about the number of games changed for TV last season.

It may not be long before they are protesting again, with trips to Jaap Stam’s Reading and Newcastle in August catching the eye.

Albion’s first home is against relegated Colchester United in the first round of the League Cup in the week commencing August 8. Forest provide the opposition again for the opening league match at the Amex on August 13.