Sunderland fixtures: Black Cats handed balanced but testing start to Premier League return
Sunderland return to the Premier League for the first time since the 2016/2017 season after earning promotion via the Championship playoffs.
With new ownership, a fresh identity under The Friedkin Group, and a long-awaited move to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, the club hopes this season marks the end of their relegation battles - and the beginning of real progress.
Everton fixtures 2025:
August 18: Leeds United vs Everton
August 24: Everton v Brighton
August 30: Wolves v Everton
September 13: Everton v Aston Villa
September 20: Liverpool v Everton
The Toffees begin away at Leeds under the lights in a spicy Monday night opener. Leeds return to the top flight full of momentum after a strong Championship campaign under Daniel Farke and Elland Road is sure to be electric.
A momentous occasion follows, as they host Brighton in their Premier League debut at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. A vibrant crowd and modern surroundings should offer a new kind of home advantage, but Brighton's style poses an early threat.
August ends with a visit to Wolves - a team that's been tough at home and often matched Moyes' side physically in recent meetings.
September begins with a home clash against Aston Villa, a side that's held the upper hand over the Toffees in recent seasons with five wins from the last six league meetings.
Then it's the first Merseyside derby of the season at Anfield. Liverpool remain heavy favourites, but Moyes will know a competitive showing could inject belief into the Everton camp and fanbase alike.
Moyes has faced a challenging transfer window, with nine senior players departing and key targets reluctant to join a side without European football. But the 27 million pounds signing of 6ft 5in French u-20 international striker Thierno Barry from Villarreal has generated excitement, alongside the arrivals of Jack Grealish (loan), Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Carlos Alcaraz, Adam Aznou and Mark Travers.
Meanwhile, Moyes has hailed the new stadium as a major milestone for the club.
"It's brilliant for the football club," said the Scottish tactician.
"For my journey as well - I've had lots of different twists and turns - but overall I think the football club has been so desperate for this situation to arise with the new stadium.
"I think it's a wonderful stadium, it's a step up, certainly, from Goodison and I think for Everton Football Club it's a real positive step."
Everton standings - Historic log positions
2020/21 - 10th
2021/22 - 16th
2022/23 - 17th
2023/24 - 15th
2024/25 - 13th