As Sunderland AFC prepares for another exciting season in the EFL Championship, fans are eagerly anticipating the 2024/25 fixture list. The Black Cats have built a reputation for thrilling football and passionate support, and with the new season just around the corner, there are plenty of questions swirling about their upcoming schedule. From the high-profile opening games to intense local derbies, the 2024/25 season promises to deliver a rollercoaster of emotions. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a closer look at Sunderland’s fixtures, including key matchups, dates, and what fans can expect as they cheer on their team.

The Start of the 2024/25 Season

Sunderland’s 2024/25 Championship season kicks off on August 10, 2024, with an exciting away game against Cardiff City. This will mark the beginning of a fresh campaign for the Black Cats, who are looking to build on their successful return to the Championship in recent seasons. The first match will be a test of Sunderland’s resilience and ambition as they look to take on a challenging Cardiff side.

Following the opening match, Sunderland’s first home fixture will be held at the Stadium of Light on August 17, 2024, where they will face Sheffield Wednesday. The home fans will no doubt be eager to see their team in action on home soil, making this match a vital one for Sunderland to set the tone for the season.

Key Fixtures and Rivalries

One of the most anticipated fixtures in Sunderland’s 2024/25 season will be the Wear-Tees derby against Middlesbrough. This local rivalry is one of the fiercest in English football, and with Sunderland looking to push for promotion, the clash with their northeast neighbors will be a fixture fans have circled on their calendars. This derby is set for September 21, 2024, and will be a highly charged match, filled with passion and intensity. Sunderland will be looking to secure bragging rights in this crucial encounter.

In addition to the derby, Sunderland will also face Leeds United in two thrilling encounters. The first will be a home match on October 5, 2024, followed by an away game at Elland Road on February 15, 2025. Leeds, a former Premier League side, will be aiming to push for promotion as well, which makes these two fixtures even more significant for Sunderland’s hopes in the 2024/25 season.

Another key fixture for Sunderland will be their Christmas period matches. Sunderland fans can look forward to a home game against Norwich City on December 21, 2024, followed by an away clash at Blackburn Rovers on December 26, and a return to the Stadium of Light to face Stoke City on December 29. The festive period is always a busy one in English football, and Sunderland will need to be at their best to navigate these crucial fixtures.

The Busy Mid-Season Schedule

Sunderland’s mid-season fixtures will include several challenging games that could prove pivotal in their season. The Black Cats will play Sheffield United at home on January 1, 2025, marking the start of the new year with what promises to be an exciting match. Sheffield United, like Sunderland, are always a strong contender for promotion, making this game an important one for both teams.

Later in January, Sunderland will face Burnley away from home and will host Portsmouth at the Stadium of Light on January 18, 2025. Burnley will be one of the favorites for promotion this season, and Sunderland’s ability to compete with such top-tier teams will be closely watched. The match against Portsmouth, however, could prove to be an opportunity for Sunderland to pick up vital points as they aim to push for the playoffs.

As Sunderland heads into February 2025, they will face some tricky fixtures, with games against Bristol City away and a home tie against QPR. February will be a month that tests Sunderland’s resolve as they will need to stay competitive against some mid-table sides.

Sunderland’s Final Push for Promotion

The final stretch of Sunderland’s 2024/25 season will feature some crucial games that could determine whether they have a chance at promotion. The last home match of the season will be on May 3, 2025, against Queens Park Rangers. This final game could be a make-or-break situation for Sunderland, depending on how the rest of the season has unfolded. If Sunderland is still in contention for the playoffs or even automatic promotion, the atmosphere at the Stadium of Light will be electric.

As Sunderland approaches the end of the season, they will also face tough away fixtures against Reading and Hull City, both of which could have a significant impact on the final standings. These matches are often the most nerve-wracking, as teams either push for the top spots or try to avoid relegation.

Key Matchdays and TV Broadcasts

Sunderland’s 2024/25 fixtures will be widely covered, with several of their key matches being broadcast on television. For fans who cannot make it to the Stadium of Light, it will be important to stay up to date with TV schedules. The club’s official website and social media channels will be vital sources for confirming which matches are set to be televised and what time the games are due to kick off.

Additionally, many of Sunderland’s matches will be featured on Sky Sports or iFollow, depending on the location and significance of the game. These platforms allow fans from around the world to follow Sunderland’s journey through the season, ensuring that no one misses out on the action.

FAQs 

What are Sunderland’s opening fixtures for the 2024-25 season?

The season begins with a trip to Cardiff City on August 10, 2024, where Sunderland will face the Welsh club in a televised match kicking off at 12:30 pm. Their first home game follows on August 17, when Sheffield Wednesday visits the Stadium of Light​.

When is the Wear-Tees derby against Middlesbrough?

One of the most eagerly awaited matches of the season is the Wear-Tees derby, where Sunderland will host Middlesbrough on September 21, 2024. This match, a fierce local rivalry, will surely attract significant attention​.

Which teams will Sunderland face over the Christmas period?

Sunderland’s Christmas fixtures are quite intense, with a home game against Norwich City scheduled for December 21, 2024. They will play away at Blackburn Rovers on Boxing Day, and then face Stoke City on December 29​.

What are some of the key mid-season fixtures?

In the new year, Sunderland fans can look forward to a few exciting encounters, including a home game against Sheffield United on January 1, 2025. Other notable fixtures in January include a visit to Burnley and the return of Portsmouth at home​.

When does Sunderland play Leeds United?

Sunderland’s home match against Leeds United will be on October 5, 2024, and a trip to Elland Road follows on February 15, 2025​. Both fixtures are likely to generate a lot of attention, given Leeds’ prominence in the Championship.

In Summary

Sunderland’s 2024-25 Championship season promises to be full of exciting encounters. With some intense local derbies, high-profile matchups like those against Leeds and Burnley, and the potential to finish strong, the fixtures are lined up for an eventful season. For Sunderland fans, the upcoming months will undoubtedly be filled with anticipation and excitement as they look to challenge for a top spot in the Championship. Keep an eye on both the official club sources and media coverage to stay fully updated on all changes and developments.

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