SUNDERLAND face the exciting prospect of facing old foes Newcastle United in their second game of the new Premier League season.

After the Black Cats have started the campaign with a date at Liverpool to face former midfielder Jordan Henderson for the first time on August 13, Steve Bruce's side have been handed an early season derby with the Magpies seven days later.

The visit of Newcastle will be Sunderland's first home game of the new campaign and the first real chance for many fans to see Bruce's new signings in competitive action.

And once the first Wear-Tyne derby of the season - the return at St James' Park is scheduled for March 3 - is finished then Sunderland have a long trip to top-flight newcomers Swansea City on August 27, followed by a home date with Chelsea on September 10.

Sunderland will not be playing on New Year's Day this year and they will face Everton at home on Boxing Day.

And in an exciting end to the campaign Bruce will lead his players in to a final day fixture with champions Manchester United hoping there will be a place in the top eight to play for.

Other interesting dates are the trips to the Emirates to face Arsenal on October 15 and to Old Trafford to meet United on November 5. A visit of Manchester City on New Year's Eve is also in order.

** For a full list of Newcastle United, Sunderland, Middlesbrough and Hartlepool's fixtures for the new season see Saturday's The Northern Echo for a full page poster of all the dates for your diary.