Premier League fixture release day is finally upon us. For football supporters, it’s one of the most exciting dates in the calendar, and for Sunderland fans there is perhaps even more anticipation than usual as we look ahead to a season that will see the Lads competing across four fronts.
The opening-day fixture is always one of the first dates supporters look for when the schedule drops. It brings hope, excitement and plenty of speculation, although historically it hasn’t always been kind to Sunderland.
In recent years, however, things have started to improve.
With that in mind, we’ll take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of Sunderland’s most memorable Premier League opening days, as well as a few we’d rather forget. We’ll also hear from some of our contributors as they predict who the Black Cats might face on the opening weekend, along with other key dates to keep an eye on throughout the 2026/27 campaign.
Where better to start than last season? It’s still fresh in the memory and, given what followed, will remain there for a very long time.
Sunderland marked their return to the Premier League in style on 16 August 2025, sweeping aside eventually relegated West Ham United 3-0 in the Wearside sunshine. Eliezer Mayenda scored our first Premier League goal in eight long years before Dan Ballard powered home a header to double the lead. Wilson Isidor then put the icing on the cake with a late third as the Stadium of Light celebrated a dream return to the big time. As opening days go, it doesn’t get much better than that – let’s hope Régis Le Bris’ side can produce something similar this season.
Things were rather different the last time Sunderland kicked off a Premier League campaign before that. The 2016/17 season began with a daunting trip to Manchester City and the first competitive match of Pep Guardiola’s reign. Despite ultimately falling to a 2-1 defeat, the Black Cats produced an encouraging display, with Jermain Defoe getting on the scoresheet in trademark fashion.
At the time, there was reason for optimism. Unfortunately, that didn’t last long. David Moyes quickly dampened the mood by suggesting supporters should prepare for another relegation battle, setting the tone for a campaign that would end in disappointment and relegation. Looking back, it was a rather fitting start to an uninspiring tenure on Wearside.
Of course, my memories only cover a small part of Sunderland’s history, so I asked some of our contributors for their favourite opening-day recollections.
Philip West went back to another campaign we’d all rather forget, and thankfully my memory of it is a bit hazy. The 2005/06 season began with a 3-1 home defeat to Charlton Athletic at the Stadium of Light, with future Sunderland striker Darren Bent scoring twice for the visitors. Looking back on it, Phil described the afternoon as “ramming home just how shite a season it was going to be”.
Thankfully, a poor opening day doesn’t always spell disaster. Phil also pointed to the start of the 1999/00 season, when Sunderland were thrashed 4-0 by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, with Gus Poyet among the scorers. Rather than folding, Peter Reid’s side bounced back magnificently to finish seventh in the Premier League. Interestingly, another North East club ended up in the bottom half that season. Sound familiar?
Chris Wynn’s choice was far happier. He recalled Stan Varga’s debut against Arsenal in August 2000, with the Slovak centre-back producing a man-of-the-match display as Sunderland secured a memorable 1-0 victory. The season would end with a second consecutive seventh-place finish for Reid’s men, although Varga himself never quite reached those heights again in red and white.
Max’s memory came from the opening day of the 2014/15 campaign, when Sunderland travelled to The Hawthorns and battled to an entertaining 2-2 draw against West Bromwich Albion. The highlight was a thunderous strike from Gav Henderson’s favourite Sunderland captain, Lee Cattermole (editor’s note: silly boy). Unfortunately, another relegation scrap lay ahead.
Kelvin Beattie took us furthest back of all, recalling a trip to Millwall for the opening game of the 1974/75 season. Sunderland won 4-1 thanks to goals from Kerr, Hughes, Halom and Towers, but the football was only part of the story.
“In 1974/75 I went to Millwall and we beat them 4-1. We were brilliant that day. By the time the third went in I was hoping we didn’t score again! The segregation was minimal and the bobbies were not saving us. It was bedlam. We had gone inter-city, as was our habit back then for London games. It was a bloody long haul back to King’s Cross. Reminiscent of The Warriors, we trooped onto that train bruised and battered but better informed… to never go back! In true Northern spirit, not one of our crew was left behind.”
It’s hard to argue with that. A convincing away win, a memorable away day and everyone making it home in one piece (ish) – football memories don’t come much more Sunderland than that.
Predictions
Enough looking back – it’s time to look ahead.
A few of our contributors have dusted off their crystal balls and attempted to predict some of the key fixtures in Sunderland’s 2026/27 campaign, including the opening day, Boxing Day and final-day opponents. As ever, these are based on absolutely no insider knowledge whatsoever and should be treated with the same seriousness as a transfer rumour from a bloke in the pub.
Owen Sara
Opening Day: Coventry City (H) – Friday night live on Sky Sports as the curtain-raiser.
First Away Game: That lot. No, I’m not putting their name and yes, I am that petty.
Boxing Day (or closest to): Hull City (A)
First Game of 2027: Arsenal (H)
Final Game: Tottenham Hotspur
Wadey
Opening Day: Leeds United (A)
First Home Game: Manchester City
Boxing Day: Coventry City (A)
First Game of 2027: Ipswich Town (H)
Final Game: Crystal Palace (A)
Dean McDonald
I’ve had to alter mine slightly after Owen stole Coventry at home first game, thanks Owen.
Opening Day: Bournemouth (A)
First Home Game: Coventry City
Boxing Day: Manchester United (H)
First Game of 2027: Fulham (A)
Final Game: Hull City (H)
Final Thoughts
Whatever the fixture computer throws up, excitement levels are understandably high ahead of another season back among the elite. Opening days have given Sunderland supporters everything from glorious victories to crushing reality checks over the years, but that’s all part of the fun.
By the time you’re reading this, we may already know what’s in store for the months ahead. Until then, enjoy the anticipation, argue with your mates about the predictions, and let’s hope the Lads get off to another flying start.
