Town manager George Burley has commented on the 2000/01 fixtures which see a start at the Stadium of Light and a run-in which sees the Blues face all three Champions' league sides in the last three games.

Burley said: "Our opening game of the season at the Stadium of Light promises to be a very tough start, but it is one I am looking forward to being an ex-Sunderland player. We are in a similar scenario to that of last season, as after the opening away game we will have two home games to follow. Looking at the fixture list it is interesting to note that we have a very difficult finish to the season playing Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool for the final three fixtures."

He is pleased with the Christmas games: "Thankfully for our fans there will not be too much travelling during the Christmas and New Year's period as we have two games at home and two away games in London."

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