Sunderland will meet Preston North End at Deepdale in the first round of the Carabao Cup.
The Black Cats learnt their opponents for the first round of the cup competition on Thursday morning, when the draw was divided into northern and southern sections.
The first-round ties will take place between Sunderland’s opening Championship matchups against Cardiff City away on August 10th and Sheffield Wednesday at home on August 17th.
Luton Town and Burnley, both relegated from the Premier League last season, will enter the competition in the second round, as will the 13 current Premier League clubs not competing in European play, including local rivals Newcastle United.
Manchester City, Arsenal, Liverpool, Aston Villa, Tottenham, Chelsea, and Manchester United will all enter the competition in the third round. Sunderland were eliminated from the competition in the first round last season under Tony Mowbray, losing on penalties to Crewe Alexandra following a 1-1 draw at the Stadium of Light.
