How Sunderland's early opponents are shaping up for the Championship campaign and what to expect

In a hectic start to a campaign, the Black Cats will play seven times in the league before the end of August and the closing of the transfer window.

There will also be a Carabao Cup first round tie to factor in, underlining the importance of making a strong start.

So how are those opening opponents shaping up for the season and what can Sunderland expect?

We take a closer look…

COVENTRY CITY

Sunday July 31st – 12pm (H)

Last season's finish: 12thPromotion odds: 9/1Major deals so far: Kasey Palmer (In, Bristol City)Coventry have done superbly since winning promotion from League One, consolidating their second-tier status and doing so by maintaining their style of play. There is currently some transfer uncertainty over some of their star players, including midfielders Gustavo Hamer and Callum O'Hare, as well as striker Victor Gyokeres, but they will provide a good test regardless of Sunderland's second-tier credentials. The Sky Blues are certainly not to be underestimated after years of consistent progress under Mark Robins, who started the summer by signing a new contract.

BRISTOL CITY

Saturday August 6th – 3pm (A)

Last season's finish: 17thPromotion odds: 16/1Major deals so far: Kane Wilson (In, Forest Green Rovers) Kal Naismith (In, Luton Town) Mark Sykes (In, Oxford United)Bristol City have made a solid start to their summer business after a season of transition under Nigel Pearson, which saw them finish in the lower reaches of the table but without ever really falling into relegation danger. Kane Wilson in particular looks an exciting addition after a superb season at Forest Green Rovers. They have plenty of quality in their squad but there are question marks over whether Antoine Semenyo, who has made a big impact since his Sunderland loan, will be fit for this game.

QUEENS PARK RANGERS

Saturday August 13th – 3pm (H)

Last season's finish: 11thPromotion odds: 8/1Major deals so far: Kenneth Paal (In, PEC Zwolle) Jake Clarke-Salter (In, Chelsea) Charlie Austin (Out, released) Jordy de Wijs (Out, Fortuna Dusseldorf)QPR spent most of last season firmly in contention for a play-off place, before falling away in the closing stages. They have since replaced Mark Warburton with Michael Beale, formerly assistant to Steven Gerrard at Aston Villa and Rangers. That means they will start the campaign as something of an unknown quantity, though Beale is highly-regarded both as a coach and a tactician. After impressive work overhauling their squad in recent years they will expect to challenge for the play-offs again. Former Sunderland loanee Jimmy Dunne is a key part of their group, having made good progress in recent years.

SHEFFIELD UNITED

Tuesday August 16th – 7.45 (A)

Last season's finish: 5thPromotion odds: 3/1Major deals so far: Lys Mousset (Out, released) David McGoldrick (Out, released)The Blades have yet to get their summer business started but they will be one of the favourites for promotion, one of the sides still benefiting from Premier League parachute payments. After a sluggish start last time out they were excellent through the second half of the season under Paul Heckingbottom, and this will be a very difficult fixture for the Black Cats. The core of Heckingbottom's group remains strong, including a number of the group who so impressively sealed promotion from this division in 2018/19.

STOKE CITY

Saturday August 20th – 3pm (A)