Sunderland kick off their first campaign back in the Championship since 2007 by welcoming Derby County to the Stadium of Light, and fans will be glad the club still has a month to prepare for the fixture having only just appointed a new manager.

The Black Cats delay in bringing Simon Grayson to the role has put their pre-season arrangements in disarray, with the only addition to the squad being winger Aiden McGeady, and Grayson having just weeks to make his own mark on the squad.

Derby on the over hand, have enjoyed a more stable summer, but the departures of star players Will Hughes and Tom Ince to Watford and Huddersfield respectively has been a high blow to Gary Rowett’s side.

Rowett is likely to be given the funds to reinvest in his squad, and has already made moves to improve his outfit, with the signings of defensive pair Curtis Davies and Andre Wisdom.

The addition of the duo will significantly improve Derby’s back line, and the Rams will be difficult to break down next season.

Grayson will bring in his own men in the coming weeks, and Sunderland will be in a much better position when kick off rolls around.

Replacing Jermaine Defoe is paramount, as Sunderland’s striking options are extremely limited as it currently stands.

Rowett has money to spend this summer, and with aspirations of launching a title challenge, the former Birmingham manager with make serious moves to replace his departures.

Comparing the two squads at this stage of the season is tough, but Derby are better prepared for the Championship having been in the division for so long.

If the game were to kick off tomorrow, you’d expect Rowett’s men to nick the away win to get their season off to the perfect start.