Sunderland’s opening five fixtures rank among toughest in Premier League | OneFootball

According to Opta’s power rankings, Sunderland face one of the division’s stiffest starts, ranking 19th by opponents’ average rating at 93.2 across their opening five league fixtures.

The model rates 10,000 teams worldwide from zero to 100. Arsenal are currently rated 100.0, while Hull City are ranked 164th globally on 82.2, judged the easiest Premier League opponents.

They begin at Ipswich Town, then host Fulham, travel to Brentford, welcome Arsenal, then visit Manchester City.

Manchester United top the list with an 89.3 average, ahead of Newcastle United on 89.9 and Liverpool on 90.7. Bournemouth are 20th at 93.3.

Regis Le Bris’ side finished seventh last term on their Premier League return, earning a first ever Europa League campaign. Pre-season opened with a big win at League Two newcomers York City, before a United States trip to face Liverpool, Leeds United and Wrexham.

Source: Sunderland Echo