Former Newcastle United star Elliot Anderson appears to be ready to relish the return of Sunderland to the Premier League.
The 2025/26 Premier League fixtures have been announced, making the return of Newcastle United’s arch rivals Sunderland feel very real indeed.
Newcastle’s fixture dates against Sunderland mean supporters will need to wait a while before seeing another Tyne-Wear derby.
Eddie Howe’s side travel to The Black Cats on December 13 2025 before hosting them at St James’ Park on March 21 2026, although those dates are subject to change.
Whitley Bay-born Anderson, however, will get a crack at them sooner with Nottingham Forest.
Elliot Anderson can’t wait to play Sunderland
On Wednesday, the Forest official Twitter account asked a series of players in their squad who they were most looking forward to playing next season.
Anderson, who made 55 appearances for the Magpies after progressing through the Newcastle United academy, replied “Sunderland away.”
Forest host Sunderland at the City Ground on September 27 2025 before they head up to the Stadium of Light on 25 April 2026.
Elliot Anderson is unbeaten against Sunderland
Sadly for Anderson, he missed Newcastle’s 3-0 win over Sunderland in the FA Cup in January 2024 due to injury.
It means he’s never played a senior game against the Black Cats, so it’s easy to see why he’d be looking forward to it.
He has, however, made two appearances against them at Premier League 2 level, winning once and drawing the other.
He’ll no doubt be hoping to maintain that unbeaten record at senior level next season.
Newcastle didn’t want to sell Anderson last summer but were forced to due to the Premier League’s Profit and Sustainability Rule (PSR).
It’s a shame he’s not making his full debut against Sunderland as a Newcastle player. Still, he’ll clearly be bang up for the occasion.
