On 17 May, Sunderland announced their first slate of pre-season fixtures, against South Shields, Gateshead, Blackpool and Bradford City.

[59] A weeks training camp in Alicante was later confirmed with a fixtures against Eldense and Nottingham Forest.

[60][61] On July 16, a final friendly was confirmed, against Marseille in Bradford.

[65] Win Draw Loss Fixtures Sunderland entered the FA Cup in the third round, and were drawn at home to Stoke City.

[73] They were beaten by Preston North End in that match and as a result were knocked out of the competition.