George Honeyman can’t wait to usher in the new season at the Stadium of Light after the 2017-18 fixtures were revealed.
- Click here to view the full 2017-18 fixture list
- Recap the fixture list and note the key dates
- Read Donald Love's fixture release reaction
The Black Cats will open their campaign at home to Derby County on Friday 4 August as Derby County travel to Wearside in a Championship curtain-raiser.
A quickfire schedule will also see the Lads take on Norwich City, Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds United before the end of August, with September’s opening game taking place at the SoL against Sheffield United.
And speaking to safc.com, Honeyman revealed his excitement ahead of the new season.
“I think we were all hoping to be at home and on the tele for the opening game of the season,” said the midfielder.
“To have the game on the Friday night also adds something and we’ll be up against a good Championship club, so it’ll be a good test and we hope to lay down a marker for the season.”
He continued: “It’s a quick and testing start to the season because all of the teams we’re facing early were up and around the play-off places last year, so pre-season will be key and we want to hit the ground running.
“Leeds at home will be a great game for the fans, especially after opening the season on a Friday night, and I think I speak for the players and the fans when I say this was one of the fixtures we were all looking out for.
“It should be a great atmosphere because there’s obviously a bit of history there, and I think there’s a real feeling of excitement ahead of the new season.”
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