Sunderland return to Championship action in August looking to avenge their play-off semi-final defeat to Luton Town that ended their season. In recent times, the Tyne-Wear derby has been absent with Sunderland’s fall out of the Premier League.
But that does not stop the unwritten rule of Newcastle and Sunderland playing at home on alternating weekends to help with policing and transport resources. Here is how Newcastle’s fixtures give a glimpse into the shape of Sunderland’s campaign.
Opening Day
The EFL season starts one week before the Premier League, with Sunderland returning to Championship action on August 5. Newcastle play Aston Villa at St James' Park the following week – meaning Sunderland will be away on August 12. That suggests the Black Cats will return to second tier action at the Stadium of Light on opening weekend.
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Boxing Day
Boxing Day fixtures are often one of the most anticipated days of the football calendar as fans enjoy a full day of football while recovering from Christmas the day before. Almost 44,000 Sunderland fans watched their side beat Blackburn Rovers 2-1 on Boxing Day last year but this year it looks as though supporters will be on their travels, as Newcastle host Nottingham Forest on Boxing Day, leaving Sunderland to play away.
New Year's Day
Sunderland will hope 2024 is the year they finally end a near seven-year absence from the Premier League and it looks likely they will start the new year at home. Newcastle travel to Anfield on December 30. With the Championship usually having two games squeezed into the schedule around new year, Sunderland will likely play at least once at home on either December 30 or New Year's Day.
Final Day
Last season the Championship regular season ended roughly three weeks before the play-off final was held at Wembley. If the same schedule is followed next season, the Championship final day will be on the weekend of May 4 – 22 days before the 2024 play-off final at Wembley.
Newcastle play away at Burnley on May 4 – suggesting Sunderland will finish their regular season at home. The Stadium of Light may not be done with football on that weekend, as Sunderland may return to the play-offs again. Some optimistic Black Cats fans may even hope they can celebrate promotion back to the Premier League come early May.
