Analysing Sunderland's 23/24 fixtures: When are the key potential spells for the Black Cats?

Sunderland's 2023/24 fixture list was released this morning, and as ever, it's looking like it'll be a tough Championship campaign.

Sunderland's season starts with a home game v new boys Ipswich Town. It's obviously a difficult start for the Black Cats, but every game in the second tier is a difficult game.

Tony Mowbray's side should take confidence into the new season though. They defied the odds last time round by securing a spot in the top six, and many will expect them to cause some upsets again next time round.

And after the 2023/24 fixtures were released, we've looked at some potential make or break runs during the Black Cats' campaign...

First six games...

The first six games could arguably set the tone for Sunderland's season, with some tough games but also some winnable ones thrown in there.

Ipswich Town will be a good test of Sunderland's mettle and so too will a trip to Preston North End the following weekend.

Then there's a winnable home game v Rotherham United before a trip to last season's play-off finalists Coventry City.

Sunderland then host Southampton before travelling to QPR - a side many expect to struggle next season.

Festive period...

Sunderland's December agenda is looking very testing. The league's title and promotion contenders really start to show themselves during this period and if Sunderland can come through December confidently, they could be in with a chance.

The Black Cats have home games v West Brom, Leeds United, and Coventry in December, with trips to Millwall, Bristol City, Hull City, and Rotherham.

Those home games are the standout as difficult games, whilst trips to Millwall, Bristol City, and Hull will also be very tough - Rotherham could be a must-win game that month.

The run in...

If Sunderland are in or around the top six coming into March then they'll be doing well. And they'll do even better to finish there given how tough their run in to the end of the season is looking.

In their final 12 games of the season, Sunderland face all three of the relegated Premier League sides as well as the likes of Norwich City, Millwall, and Watford, before finishing the season at home to Sheffield Wednesday.

So for Sunderland, the next seaosn is obviously going to be tough. There's so many quality teams in the league and Sunderland are just one of them. But their start to the season, the festive period, and then the final few games in particular look like key areas of the season for Mowbray and his side.

First six games...

Festive period...

The run in...

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