Sunderland 2021/22 fixtures: Everything you need to know as League One schedule set to be released

After falling short in the play-offs last season, Lee Johnson’s side will be looking to escape the third tier at the fourth time of asking – amid what will yet again be a competitive division.

And with fixture release day always heralding the real build-up to the new campaign, excitement is set to build this week.

So here’s everything you need to know about the fixture release, and the key dates fans will need to remember:

When are the 2021/22 League One fixtures released?

The fixtures for the 2021/22 League One season will be released at 9am on Thursday, June 24.

Every League One fixture will be released at this point – although some could be moved for broadcast reasons as the season progresses.

Some of Sunderland’s games could also be postponed owing to international call-ups and should the side progress in the domestic cup competitions.

When does the 2021/22 League One season begin?

The League One season is scheduled to kick-off on August 7.

There is likely to be one televised EFL game broadcast on August 6, although this is expected to be a Championship fixture.

Given the Premier League fixtures that were released last week, it is likely that Sunderland will begin the League One season at home.

When does the 2021/22 League One season end?

Currently, the League One season is set to come to a close on April 30.

This is a week before the League Two and Championship seasons end.

When will the 2021/22 League One play-offs be played?

While the exact fixture dates for the semi-finals are yet to be confirmed, we do know that the play-off final for League One will take place on Saturday May 21.

This is the weekend before the League Two and Championship finals.

When is the first round of the Carabao Cup in 2021/22?

Sunderland will enter the Carabao Cup at the first round stage, where ties will be played on the week commencing August 9.

The draw for the first round will take place at 3:40pm on Thursday, June 24.

When will Papa John’s Trophy fixtures be played in 2021/22?

The Black Cats will be looking to defend the Papa John’s Trophy this season – and will kick-off their group stage campaign on the week commencing August 30.

The draw for the group stage will take place at 4:30pm on Thursday, June 24.

The final is scheduled to be played on April 3.

When does the FA Cup start in the 2021/22 season?

FA Cup round dates are yet to be confirmed – but will become apparent when there is a game in the League One schedules.

What are Sunderland’s current odds to win League One in 2021/22?

Sunderland are currently priced at 7/1 to win League One in 2021/22.

Here’s the favourites with Sky Bet:

SUNDERLAND – 7 / 1

Sheffield Wednesday – 8 / 1

Charlton Athletic – 9 / 1

Ipswich Town – 9 / 1

Portsmouth – 12 / 1

Rotherham United – 12 / 1

Bolton Wanderers – 14 / 1

Lincoln City – 14 / 1

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