Sunderland have announced a programme of seven pre-season friendlies - with an eighth set to be confirmed in the coming days. The Black Cats will report back to the Academy of Light on June 22 to begin their preparations ahead of the Championship season, which kicks-off on July 30.
Their preparations will include behind-closed-doors friendlies against National League Gateshead and National League North side Blyth Spartans on Saturday, July 2. Alex Neil's side will then travel to Portugal for for an eight-day training camp on the Algarve from July 6-13, where they will play two friendlies.
The first game will see them take on Scottish giants Glasgow Rangers at the Estadio Municipal de Albufeira - a familiar venue, with the Black Cats having last played there in the summer of 2019 - on Saturday, July 9 (kick-off 8pm). There will also be a second fixture in Portugal, although the date and opponents have yet to be confirmed.
GO HERE: Have your say on Sunderland ownership, transfers, Alex Neil and more in our BIG post-season survey
Sunderland will then return to England, before heading over the Border to take on Scottish Premiership side Dundee United at Tannadice Park on Saturday, July 16 (kick-off 3pm). They will then face League Two Bradford City at Valley Parade on Tuesday, July 19 (kick-off 7pm), before travelling to the Wham Stadium to meet League One Accrington Stanley on Saturday, July 23 (kick-off 3pm).
Sunderland's dress rehearsal ahead of the new season will see them take on League Two Hartlepool United at Victoria Park on Monday, July 25 (kick-off 7pm). Sunderland will announce ticketing and streaming details for their friendly games in the coming weeks.
Sunderland's pre-season programme 2022
Saturday, July 2 - Gateshead FC (behind-closed-doors)
Saturday, July 2 - Blyth Spartans (behind-closed-doors)
Saturday, July 9 (8pm) - Glasgow Rangers (Estadio Municipal de Albufeira)
Saturday, July 16 (3pm) - Dundee United (a)
Tuesday, July 19 (7pm) - Bradford City (a)
Saturday, July 23 (3pm) - Accrington Stanley (a)
Monday, July 25 (7pm) - Hartlepool United (a)
For the latest Sunderland news direct to your inbox, go here to sign up to our free newsletter
