Newcastle United and Sunderland Women confirm huge Tyne-Wear derby plans

The highly anticipated derby game between Sunderland Women and Newcastle United Women is to be played at the Stadium of Light, the club have confirmed.

The Lasses kick off their first season in the Women's Championship on September 8 with a trip to London City Lionesses before hosting Sheffield United two weeks later.

Head coach Becky Langley's side face a tricky derby doubleheader with a home game against Durham Women before arguably one of the most highly anticipated games in their history against Sunderland who narrowly missed out on promotion to the Women's Super League the previous campaign.

The Magpies will be aiming for promotion to the top flight at the first time of asking.

Sunderland Women vs Newcastle United Women at the Stadium of Light

Earlier today, Sunderland announced that they would host their local rivals at the Stadium of Light for their clash on October 13.

Although the game isn't until March, Newcastle's website has already confirmed that they will host the Black Cats at St James' Park in the reverse fixture, a game that could have huge implications on the promotion race should all fall into place for both sides.

Newcastle took on Sunderland in a pre-season friendly ahead of the 2023/24 campaign where the Black Cats ran out as 4-2 winners.

It will mark the first time former Sunderland Women's goalkeeper Claudia Moan will return to the club following her departure and arrival at Newcastle.

Newcastle United Women have a tough test against AC Milan first

Langley's side will open up Saturday's Sela Cup proceedings with a friendly game against AC Milan Women, who finished third in the women's Serie A just two seasons ago.

It's the perfect test for a new look Lasses side who have new several new arrivals including Shania Hayles, Deanna Cooper, Amy Andrews and European Championship winner Demi Stokes.

The Magpies will also take on Southampton at St James' Park on November 17.