Notts County will host Leicester City at Meadow Lane on Saturday 15 August to open the 2026/27 Sky Bet League One season. The fixture was confirmed on Thursday as part of the full schedule release, setting up an immediate test for the Magpies against one of the division's biggest clubs.
Russell Martin, the new 40-year-old Leicester manager, acknowledged the challenge. "Starting away from home at Notts County gives us a brilliant challenge straight away, and that’s something we should embrace," he said. Martin arrives at the King Power Stadium after a spell managing Swansea City and brings experience from both playing and managing in the third tier.
The opening day clash at Meadow Lane is the headline event for Notts County in the initial weeks. Leicester City, who have sold 23,500 season tickets, will then host Burton Albion a week later in their first home game of the season. For Notts County, the focus is firmly on starting their own campaign strongly. The club currently sits 7th in League One with 5 points from their first three games, recording one win and two draws for a WDD form line. They have scored 5 goals and conceded 4, giving them a +1 goal difference early in the season.
This solid start leaves them just 2 points behind early leaders Blackpool. Fans can track the evolving league picture on our standings page throughout the campaign.
Russell Martin expressed clear enthusiasm for the season's imminent start following the fixture announcement. "I’m really excited," Martin said. "Fixture release day always brings the season that bit closer and, for me, it just sharpens the feeling that the work is starting now." His comments highlight the fresh start at Leicester, a club with significant expectations following relegation. Martin's prior experience in League One, both as a player and a manager, will be tested from the very first whistle at Meadow Lane.
For Notts County, facing a side in transition under new leadership presents both an opportunity and a stern examination. The Magpies' own form suggests they are capable of competing, having remained unbeaten so far. Detailed team statistics are available on our stats section.
While the opening day fixture captures attention, Notts County's season is already underway. The team's next match is an away trip to face Huddersfield Town on Saturday 5 September. Huddersfield currently occupies 2nd place in the table, making it another significant challenge. This match precedes the historic meeting with Leicester City and is part of a demanding early schedule.
The full list of upcoming matches for Notts County can be found on our fixtures page. Balancing the excitement of a marquee opening day with the practical need for points from every game will be key for the Magpies' aspirations this season. Their current league position of 7th provides a solid platform, but the gap to the top is narrow.
A home match against Leicester City to begin the season is a notable event for any League One club, given the Foxes' recent Premier League history and large support. For Notts County, it represents a chance to make an immediate statement in front of their own fans. The match at Meadow Lane will also be Russell Martin's first competitive game in charge of Leicester, adding an extra layer of narrative.
The work for both squads is now intensifying on the training ground with specific opponents in mind. Notts County will aim to use their current unbeaten momentum as a springboard. The team's current squad details and player information are always accessible via our squad portal. Notts County's next fixture is away to Huddersfield Town on 5 September 2026.
