The Black Cats will appear on Sky Sports once over the festive period

Sunderland’s New Year’s Day home clash with Preston North End has been chosen for live television coverage on Sky Sports.

The Black Cats kick off 2024 at the Stadium of Light against Ryan Lowe’s side, but the game will now be at the earlier time of 12.30pm. It means an early start for Sunderland fans following New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Tony Mowbray’s side have made regular TV appearances already this season, with this weekend’s game against Birmingham City also a lunchtime kick-off. However, the Preston game will be the only Sunderland fixture changed for TV over the festive period after the schedule was confirmed today.

READ MORE: Sunderland boss Tony Mowbray is working with the ‘biggest batch’ of young talent of his career

READ MORE: Northern Ireland call up Sunderland duo for Euro qualifiers, with Ukraine’s Nazariy Rusyn on standby

Sunderland’s match with Preston will be one of three live EFL games on New Year’s Day, with the Stadium of Light showdown followed by Derby County’s game with Peterborough in League One at 3pm, and Sheffield Wednesday vs Hull City at 7.15pm.

Presuming the Wearsiders’ remaining game are unchanged, Sunderland’s festive fixtures start with Coventry City at home on Saturday, December 23 (3pm), followed by Hull City away on Boxing Day (3pm). The Black Cats then go to Rotherham United on December 29 (7.45pm) before Preston on New Year’s Day (12.30pm).