Sunderland to face ex-Newcastle man - a guide to the Black Cats' pre-season tour

Sunderland today announced three friendlies in France as part of their pre-season programme for the new campaign.
Romain AmalfitanoRomain Amalfitano
Romain Amalfitano

But who will Sunderland be facing on the other side of the Channel? Here's a guide to the Black Cats' trio of opponents.

1. FC Stade Nyonnais - Monday July 25

Sunderland will ease themselves into their French tour with a clash against Swiss third division opposition.

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Nyonnais finished seventh in the league table last season, in a competition where the bulk of the Swiss top flight sides field their reserve teams.

It will very much be a clash against minnows, whose record attendance is a little over 7,000 from a friendly against Real Madrid 15 years ago.

2 Dijon - Wednesday July 27

Newly-promoted Dijon will be far more of a test for Sunderland after they returned to France's Ligue 1 last season.

This will be their first campaign back in the top flight since relegation in 2012, when ex-Sunderland defender Patrice Carteron - then head coach - paid with his job.

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Among the Dijon squad is ex-Newcastle man Romain Amalfitano - a midfielder who made five Europa League appearances for the Magpies before returning to France in 2013.

3. Montpellier - Saturday July 30

Sunderland will complete their time in France with their sternest test against a club crowned league champions just five years ago.

Montpellier have helped to produce the likes of Laurent Blanc and Olivier Giroud but finished in a disappointing 12th spot in Ligue 1 last season.

They have just lost the services of midfielder Jonas Martin too, who will play under ex-Sunderland boss Gus Poyet at Real Betis next season after a £2million move.