Sunderland make their long-awaited return to the Championship next month after spending four seasons in League One. Play-off final victory last month ended the Black Cats’ promotion hoodoo and Alex Neil’s side will be looking to solidify their status in the second tier this season.
Traditionally, arch-rivals Newcastle United and Sunderland play at home on alternating weekends to avoid fan disruption - an unwritten rule that is followed despite the two clubs playing in different divisions. As the Magpies’ fixtures have already been released, their Premier League schedule can be used as a guideline for how Sunderland’s could look.
The Championship fixture list is not due until June 23, six weeks before the start of the campaign. ChronicleLive has profiled Newcastle’s run-in to analyse how it may affect Sunderland.
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Opening day
As usual, the EFL season commences one week earlier than the Premier League. A winter World Cup has forced the season to start prematurely, meaning the Championship starts on July 30.
Newcastle host newly-promoted Nottingham Forest on August 6 - their opening day - hinting towards an away outing for Sunderland that weekend. This means the Black Cats will likely have a home contest in front of a raucous Stadium of Light crowd for their Championship return.
Boxing Day
One of the most anticipated dates on the football calendar as fans across the country enjoy a jam-packed day of sport while nursing a Christmas hangover. Last year, Sunderland played on December 27 as they brushed aside rock-bottom Doncaster Rovers 3-0.
Newcastle travel to Leicester City on Boxing Day, indicating a home clash for the Black Cats. The top flight have scrapped the intermediate fixture between Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve to ensure players do not burn out from the World Cup.
New Year’s Day
While Sunderland fans will likely have to contend with a home clash on Boxing Day, they can celebrate the New Year on the road as the Black Cats look set for an away trip to begin 2023. Newcastle host Leeds United at St James’ Park on New Year’s Eve, a sign of what is to come for the Wearsiders.
Surprisingly, Sunderland have not played on New Year’s Day since their last Championship campaign - a 1-0 home defeat to Barnsley in 2018.
Final day
The regular 2022-23 Championship season is set to end on May 6, 22 days before the final day of the Premier League. Clubs in the play-off places will then battle it out for a place in the top flight - an ambition even the most optimistic Sunderland fan will admit is beyond their reach next season. Newcastle are set to face Arsenal at home on May 6, highlighting a probable away game for the Black Cats on the last day.
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