Sunderland will kick start their 2022/23 Premier League 2 Division 2 campaign on the road to Norwich City on Friday, August 12, with kick-off at 2pm. The Black Cats will then take on Aston Villa on Monday, August 15.
The newly revamped competition is changing from Under-23 to an Under-21 competition to reflect the age of the players in the competition, with the current average age at 19-years-old.
The change is part of an ongoing review of the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP) to try and better align with the EFL Trophy and international competitions. Each team will still be able to field a goalkeeper over the age limit and up to five "over-age" outfield players in every match.
It's something that Sunderland have used well in the past as they've looked to improve fitness of injured or fringe players.
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Sunderland U21s fixture list for 2022/23 Premier League 2 Division 2 season
Norwich (A) Friday 5 August
Aston Villa (H) Monday 15 August
Derby (A) Sunday 21 August
West Brom (H) Monday 29 August
Middlesbrough (A) Friday 9 September
Nottingham Forest (A) Monday 3 October
Leeds United (H) Monday 10 October
Stoke City (A) Sunday 23 October
Newcastle (A) Monday 31 October
Southampton (H) Monday 7 November
Middlesbrough (H) Monday 9 January
Norwich (H) Friday 13 January
Newcastle (H) Monday 30 January
Southampton (A) Sunday 12 February
Leeds (A) or Derby (H) Monday 20 February - to be confirmed
Aston Villa (A) Friday 24 February
Stoke (A) Monday 6 March
Nottingham Forest (H) Monday 3 April
West Brom (A) Monday 17 April
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