Black Cats start at home to Blues

Sunderland manager Steve Bruce welcomes former club Birmingham to the Stadium of Light for the Premier League opener on August 14. The Mackems then go to West Brom (August 21) before hosting Manchester City (August 28). The games with bitter rivals Newcastle take place on October 30 (away) and January 15 (home), with a nasty-looking Boxing Day clash at Manchester United wedged in between. Sunderland wrap up their season with a visit to West Ham (May 22).