MIDDLESBROUGH'S home game with Sheffield United has been brought forward, and will now take place in the first week of the season.

Boro will host the Blades at the Riverside on Tuesday, August 7 (7.45pm).

The match had originally been scheduled to take place on Tuesday, August 21, but has now been moved.

The change was agreed with the Football League after Boro's match against West Brom was selected for live broadcast on Sky Sports on Friday August 24 (7.45pm).

The switch means Sheffield United will be Boro's first home opponents for the second season running, with The Blades heading to the Riverside just three days after the Teessiders kick off the new Championship season with a trip to Millwall.

Meanwhile, Boro's away game at Preston will now take place on Tuesday, November 27, rather than Wednesday, November 28 as previously scheduled.