Sunderland open the football season with a Friday evening fixture against Derby County.
It was interesting to note that Sporting Life picked the 'Ten Top Championship Fixtures' of the coming season and Sunderland were not involved in one!
Friday August 4
Sunderland v Derby County
Saturday August 5
Aston Villa v Hull City
Bristol City v Barnsley
Burton Albion v Cardiff City
Fulham v Norwich City
Ipswich Town v Birmingham City
Nottingham Forest v Millwall
Preston North End v Sheffield Wednesday
Queens Park Rangers v Reading
Sheffield United v Brentford
Wolverhampton Wanderers v Middlesbrough
Sunday August 6
Bolton Wanderers v Leeds United