Simon Grayson's Sunderland will kick off the 2017/18 Football League campaign under the lights at the Stadium of Light against Gary Rowett's Derby County, in what looks to be a feisty encounter.
The Rams endured a disappointing season last term, in which they missed out on a Championship play-off place, so will undoubtedly be looking to go one step further next season.
The Black Cats will have major aspirations themselves however, after what was a dismal season for all concerned with the club last term, which inevitably culminated in relegation from the Premier League.
Now managed by former Preston boss Grayson, there is a major flow of optimism around the club, and all eyes now switch firmly to August the 4th.
Here, with six potential new signings, FLW writer George Harbey names the starting XI that will ensure Sunderland open up their 2017/18 Championship campaign with a victory over Derby County...
GK: Rob Green
One of the most recent names linked with a move to the Stadium of Light is Leeds United goalkeeper Rob Green.
The 37-year old kept 15 clean sheets and conceded just 47 goals in his 46 league appearances last term en route to helping the Yorkshire club achieve their highest second tier points tally since 2006.
With new addition Felix Wiedwald arriving at Elland Road however, rumours have surfaced that the former England international could be set to depart Leeds, with Grayson's Black Cats and former United boss Garry Monk's Middlesbrough ready to pounce...
RB: Billy Jones
Whilst his poor performances in the top-flight contributed to Sunderland having one of the division's worst defences, Jones seems like a player who would do a solid job in the Championship, and more importantly, would provide a wealth of experience.
The 30-year-old rejected a new contract with West Brom and joined Sunderland in the summer of 2014 on a free transfer, and has been an ever-present since his arrival from the Hawthorns.
Jones would be a solid Championship player and, while most of Sunderland’s defence needs reshaping, he can be a figure of experience and consistency at the back having made over 310 career appearances in the second tier.
CB: John O'Shea
The club have recently confirmed that O'Shea has signed a new one-year deal with the Black Cats, and looks to be a massive part of Grayson's plans in guiding Sunderland back up to the top flight.
The 36-year-old has spent the past six-years with the club, and mainly battled against relegation during that time.
CB: Tyias Browning
The club have recently confirmed the loan signing of Everton's Tyias Browining.
The 23-year old spent the second-half of the 2016/17 campaign on loan at North End, and impressed Grayson upon his arrival.
The powerful centre-half has struggled for first-team opportunities at Goodison Park, and will definitely look to relish his chance this season under Grayson.
LB: Brendan Galloway
Another player who has completed a season-long loan move to the Stadium of Light from Goodison Park is Galloway.
The 21-year old endured a promising 2016/17 season on-loan with West Bromwich Albion, making four appearances for the Baggies before returning to Everton before the end of the campaign.
The pacey left-back has made 17 senior appearances for Everton, but has not featured in the league under current manager, Ronald Koeman, but he still looks to be a shrewd addition for Sunderland.
CDM: Lee Cattermole
If Sunderland are to galvanise an immediate return to the Premier League, Lee Cattermole will surely have to be at the heart of it.
A hero on Wearside, there’s a strong sense that the 29-year old will come into his element in the Championship, and could be the man to captain the club back to the top flight.
He was plagued with injuries last season and spent four months on the sidelines, and consequently found himself unable to force his way back into the starting eleven afterwards.
Cattermole would be a fine player at Championship level, and having made over 170 appearances for the Black Cats, he would provide much needed experience that could guide Grayson's men back up to the top flight.
CDM: Didier N'Dong
Sunderland’s record signing was distinctly average last term, and did very little to help them beat relegation from the Premier League.
However, the 23-year-old's stats show that he was one of the Premier League’s best tacklers last campaign, winning the ball 83 times and thus. ranking him 14th in the division.
He was also the most accurate passer in the Black Cats squad last season (out of those who made more than 2 appearances) and he could easily become a formidable Championship midfielder, and could use the second tier as a launchpad to become a magnificent top-flight player.
RM: Aiden McGeady
The Republic of Ireland international was unbelievable for Preston last season on loan from Everton; the 31-year-old netted 8 times in 34 games for the Deepdale side, whilst also providing numerous assists as North End narrowly missed out on a Championship Play-Off place.
Playing regularly appeared to help McGeady rekindle some of his best form from his days at Celtic and Spartak Moscow, typified when he was awarded the Sky Bet Championship Player of the Month for February after scoring three goals and providing four assists for Simon Grayson’s men.
His trickery and class on the ball was influential for North End last term, and despite being 31 years of age, he still has the quality to tear Championship defences apart.
CAM: Robert Snodgrass
Another player linked with a move to the Stadium of Light is West Ham's Snodgrass.
The Scotsman is no stranger to Grayson, having spent time together at Leeds United earlier in their careers, where they enjoyed a successful period, helping the Elland Road club to promotion to the Championship in 2009/10.
Snodgrass hasn't really had the greatest of spells at the London Stadium since his arrival from Hull City, and with the right offer, Sunderland could definitely tempt the Hammers into selling.
LM: Max Gradel
Simon Grayson is reportedly eyeing up a reunion with AFC Bournemouth's Max Gradel.
The Ivorian is surplus to requirements under Eddie Howe, making just 11 Premier League appearances last term, all of which were from the substitute’s bench and totalling a mere 123 minutes.
Gradel was a revelation under Grayson at Leeds United, and netted 25 goals in a total of 85 appearances from the wing, in his 4-year stint with the Whites, and could move to the Stadium of Light on a loan deal this summer.
ST: Daryl Murphy
To compete this potential starting 11 is Newcastle United's Daryl Murphy, who has recently been linked with a move across to the Stadium of Light.
Murphy is no stranger to the Black Cats faithful, having been first brought to the Stadium of Light by Roy Keane in 2005 and made over 100 appearances for the North East club before joining Celtic in 2010.
Murphy is a proven goalscorer in the division, having nettedover 61 goals for Ipswich Town in 200 appearances for the Tractorboys, as well as netting 6 times in Newcastle's promotion campaign last term, where he was down the pecking order behind Dwight Gayle and Aleksandar Mitrovic.
So...What do you think Sunderland fans? Would this starting XI beat Derby County? Leave your thoughts and other suggestions in the comments below!