The Black Cats have had three February fixtures moved for TV coverage

Sunderland's February Premier League schedule has been confirmed after three games were moved for TV coverage.

The first two games of the month, at home to Burnley on February 2nd (8pm kick off) and away at Arsenal the following Saturday (7th February, 3pm kick off), remain unmoved but the following three fixtures have all been amended.

Liverpool's visit to the Stadium of Light remains on Wednesday, February 11th but kick off has been pushed back to 8.15pm. That game will be broadcast live on TNT Sports. Sunderland will then play their FA Cup fourth round fixture in the weekend that follows, if they are able to win at Everton in the third round in January.

Fulham's visit to the Stadium of Light the following weekend has now been pushed back to Sunday, February 22nd, and will kick off at 2pm. Sky Sports will broadcast that game. In a major logistical challenge for supporters facing the long trip south, the visit to Bournemouth the following weekend has also been selected for TV coverage. The game will still take place on Saturday, February 28th, but has been brought forward to kick off at 12.30pm. That game will be broadcast on TNT Sports.

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Why Régis Le Bris believes Sunderland are ready for AFCON test

Régis Le Bris says he believes he has the depth in his squad to cope as six senior players depart to represent their nation in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Chemsdine Talbi, Habib Diarra, Arthur Masuaku, Noah Sadiki, Bertrand Traoré and Reinildo will all play in the tournament, and could be absent for a month if their nations progress ot the latter stages. Simon Adingra's absence from the Ivory Coast squad does give Le Bris an unexpected option during a busy period of the campaign, but the competition is set to provide a major test of Sunderland's squad depth.

Le Bris says he backs those who have been waiting for their opportunity to step up, and believes the confidence that has been built in the group through the opening weeks of the season could be key.

"First of all, we wish them the best because I think it's really important for them to play with their national teams," Le Bris said.

"I think we still have a strong core in this group with great experience, good confidence at the minute, 26 points, which is useful for the next fixtures. After that, some of the players didn't play a lot and they will have opportunities to show their qualities. I believe that we have good players right now on the bench and they will show that they can help the squad."

Brighton will miss influential midfielder Carlos Baleba this weekend as he represents Cameroon, but he is their only absentee as a result of the competition.

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