How to Prepare for Sunderland AFC’s Premier League Return in 2025/26: A Fan’s Checklist

So, you’ve just heard the news—or maybe you’ve been following every twist of the 2024/25 Championship season—and now it’s real: Sunderland AFC are back in the Premier League for the 2025/26 campaign. After years in the wilderness, from the double relegation heartbreak of 2017–2018 to the League One grind and the emotional rollercoaster documented in Sunderland ’Til I Die, the Black Cats are once again rubbing shoulders with England’s elite. But what does that mean for you, the supporter? Whether you’re a lifelong fan who remembers the glory days of the 1890s or a newer convert drawn in by the Netflix series, this checklist will help you navigate the season ahead. Let’s break it down step by step.

1. Reacquaint Yourself with the Premier League Landscape

First things first: the Premier League in 2025/26 is a different beast from the one Sunderland left in 2017. The financial gap between the top clubs and the rest has only widened, but the competition is also more tactical, faster, and more data-driven. Before the season kicks off, spend some time familiarising yourself with the current state of play.

• Watch a few pre-season friendlies (Sunderland’s fixtures are usually announced in July) to see how the squad shapes up under the manager’s new system.
• Check the official Premier League website for rule changes—like VAR tweaks or substitution limits—that might affect matchday.
• Review the promoted teams’ recent history: Sunderland aren’t the only newcomers. Knowing how other clubs adapted after promotion can give you a benchmark for realistic expectations.

This isn’t about memorising every stat; it’s about resetting your mental map. The Championship grind is relentless, but the Premier League demands a different kind of focus—one that rewards patience and tactical awareness over raw passion.

2. Learn the 2025/26 Fixture List and Key Dates

The fixture release day (usually in June) is a sacred event for any fan. Mark your calendar for when Sunderland’s 2025/26 schedule drops, and highlight the matches that matter most.

The Tyne-Wear Derby against Newcastle United is the fixture every Sunderland fan circles. The rivalry dates back to 1898, and the atmosphere at the Stadium of Light (capacity 49,000) will be electric. Don’t forget the Tees-Wear Derby against Middlesbrough, either—it’s a more recent but no less passionate contest.

Pro tip: Plan your travel and accommodation early for away games, especially if you’re following the lads on the road. The Black Cats faithful are known for their dedication—remember the 40,000 fans who travelled to London for the 2019 EFL Trophy final? That spirit doesn’t fade.

3. Understand the Squad: Who’s Who and What to Expect

You’ll want to know the players who’ll carry Sunderland through the Premier League. The 2025/26 squad will likely blend experienced heads from the Championship promotion campaign with new signings brought in to handle the step up.

• Identify the core: Which players were instrumental in the 2024/25 promotion? Look for the top scorers, assist providers, and defensive anchors.
• Watch for academy graduates: Sunderland’s youth academy has a proud history of producing talent. Keep an eye on any young players who break into the first team—they often bring raw energy and a connection to the club’s identity.
• Track transfer windows: The summer and January windows can reshape the squad. Don’t get caught up in rumours; rely on official club announcements and reputable sources like BBC Sport or Sky Sports.

The key is to avoid making sweeping predictions about individual players’ futures. Instead, focus on how the team might adapt its style—whether that’s a high press, counter-attacking football, or a possession-based approach. The manager’s philosophy will be your guide.

4. Set Realistic Expectations for the Season

Sunderland’s history is rich—six First Division titles between 1892 and 1936, and a 10th-place spot in the all-time English top-flight table. But the modern Premier League is a different arena. Survival is the first goal for any promoted side, and the Black Cats are no exception.

• Aim for 17th place or higher: That’s the safety line. Anything above that is a bonus.
• Don’t panic after a bad run: Every promoted team hits a rough patch. The key is to stay consistent across the 38-game season.
• Celebrate the small wins: A draw away at a top-six club, a clean sheet against a rival, or a young player’s breakout performance—these moments build momentum.

The documentary Sunderland ’Til I Die captured the club’s emotional lows, but it also showed the resilience of the fanbase. That same resilience will be tested in the Premier League, but it’s also what makes the journey worthwhile.

5. Engage with the Matchday Experience—At Home and Away

Whether you’re at the Stadium of Light or watching from afar, matchdays are where the magic happens. Here’s how to make the most of them:

• At the Stadium of Light: Arrive early to soak up the pre-match atmosphere. The Roker Roar—the famous fan noise—is legendary. Grab a pie and a pint, and chat with fellow supporters about the team’s chances.
• Watching from home: If you can’t make it to Sunderland, organise viewing parties with local fan groups. The global Black Cats community is active online, so join forums or social media channels to share the experience.
• Respect the opponent: The Tyne-Wear Derby is intense, but keep it respectful. Avoid chanting that crosses the line into hostility—the rivalry is about passion, not hatred.

Remember, Sunderland’s fan culture is one of the most dedicated in England. It’s not about being the “best” fans; it’s about showing up, win or lose, and supporting the lads through every minute.

6. Track the Season’s Stats and Milestones

Data is your friend. The Premier League offers a wealth of statistics—goals, expected goals (xG), clean sheets, pass accuracy, and more. Use these to follow Sunderland’s progress:

• Goals scored and conceded: Are the Black Cats scoring enough to stay competitive? Is the defence holding up?
• xG differential: This advanced metric can tell you if results are sustainable or if luck is playing a role.
• Clean sheets: A strong defensive record is often the foundation for survival.

You don’t need to become a stats nerd overnight, but a few key numbers will help you understand the team’s performance beyond the scoreline. The official Sunderland AFC website and Premier League stats hub are your go-to sources.

7. Prepare for the Emotional Rollercoaster

Let’s be honest: following Sunderland is never dull. From the highs of promotion to the lows of relegation, the club has a knack for drama. The 2025/26 season will be no different.

• Accept the unpredictability: One week you might beat a top-six side; the next, you could lose to a relegation rival. That’s football.
• Lean on the community: The Sunderland faithful are a tight-knit group. Share the joy and the frustration with fellow fans—it makes the journey easier.
• Remember the journey: This return to the Premier League is a testament to the club’s resilience, from the dark days of 2017–2018 to the rebuild under new ownership. Whatever happens, you’re part of a story that’s bigger than any single season.

Summary: Your Premier League Survival Guide

The 2025/26 Premier League season is a new chapter for Sunderland AFC. It’s a chance to rediscover the glory of top-flight football, to create new memories at the Stadium of Light, and to prove that the Black Cats belong among England’s best. So grab your scarf, learn the chants, and get ready for the ride. The lads are back.

For more on Sunderland’s journey, check out our deep dives into the double relegation 2017–2018 , the cultural impact of Sunderland ’Til I Die , and a survival chances analysis for 2025/26 . You can also explore the club’s all-time Premier League ranking and its full history from 1879 *.