Sunderland under-23s host Chelsea on Sunday as the Premier League 2 campaign gets underway, KO 12.05pm.
Ahead of the opening fixture safc.com has put together a small all you need to know guide...
Speaking Welsh – Sunderland under-23s coach Andy Welsh
"Pre-season has been tough but the players have worked hard and it's important we remain focused ahead of the start of the season.
"Various players have stepped up from the youth team and it's been a bit of a learning curve for them.
"That said, some players have done incredibly well, the likes of Elliot Embleton and Joel Asoro have earned some credits among the first-team, so that's great and it just shows if you apply yourself then the chances can be there."
The opposition: Chelsea 2015-16 reviewed
League position: 5th
League wins: 9
League defeats: 7
League goals scored: 34
League goals conceded: 30
Last five league fixtures: L-W-L-D-W
Chelsea U23s coach: Adi Viveash
Previously youth team manager, Adi Viveash was given the opportunity to take charge of the club’s under-23s team ahead of the 2014/15 season.
Viveash was rewarded for his positive work with the under-19s squad who won the UEFA Youth League after beating Shakhtar Donetsk 3-2 in the final.
During his three years with the youth team, Viveash also won the FA Youth Cup twice and could’ve won it a third but lost to Norwich in the final.
Viveash is an experience member of Chelsea’s backroom staff and has been at the cub since 2008/09.
Ticket info
General admission for the game is priced at £3 for adults and £1 for over 65s and under 16s while 2016-17 season card holders can gain free entry.
All tickets are sold subject to ground regulations.