UEFA hand Newcastle United early Premier League blow, it is good news for Sunderland

Add as preferred source on Google

The Premier League fixture list has created an early problem for Newcastle United ahead of the 2025/26 season.

Newcastle’s 2025/26 Premier League fixtures represent a difficult start to the campaign, with Aston Villa away up first before welcoming Liverpool to St James’ Park.

The Tyne-Wear derby will make its return to the Premier League in December. The Newcastle vs Sunderland games are set for December 13th and March 21st, but are obviously subject to change by broadcasters.

That first match against the Black Cats will be at the Stadium of Light, and Regis Le Bris’ side have been given a very early boost ahead of the game.

Who Newcastle United play in the Premier League immediately after Champions League action

As well as competing in the Premier League, Newcastle United are returning to the Champions League.

They will be part of UEFA’s league phase for the 2025/26 campaign, which means eight additional fixtures for Eddie Howe’s side to deal with.

Concerningly, five of Newcastle’s Champions League games will be followed by away games in the Premier League. One of those will be against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.

• UCL matchday 1, 16th -18th September, followed by Bournemouth (Away)
• UCL matchday 2, 30th September – 1st October, followed by Nottingham Forest (Home)
• UCL matchday 3, 21st – 22nd October, followed by Fulham (Home)
• UCL matchday 4, 4th – 5th November, followed by Brentford (Away)
• UCL matchday 5, 25th – 26th November, followed by Everton (Away)
• UCL matchday 6, 9th – 10th December, followed by Sunderland (Away)
• UCL matchday 7, 20th – 21st January, followed by Aston Villa (Home)
• UCL matchday 8, 28th January, followed by Liverpool (Away)

How Newcastle United performed immediately after their Champions League games in 2023/24

It was a similar story when the Magpies were in the 2023/24 Champions League.

Four of their six Champions League matches were followed by Premier League away days. Those games brought one win for Howe, which was an 8-0 triumph over Sheffield United at Bramall Lane.

Newcastle drew with West Ham and Wolves after a European night, while they also lost to Bournemouth.

The Magpies’ final two Champions League games were followed by home games against Manchester United and Fulham, which resulted in six points for Howe’s side.