Sunderland vs West Ham Prediction, Preview, Predicted Lineups and Team News | Premier League

Sunderland vs West Ham Preview

• Competition: Premier League
• Date: Saturday, 16 August 2025
• Kick-off Time: 2:00 pm GMT
• Venue: Stadium of Light, Sunderland

The first matchday of the 2025/26 Premier League season will include Sunderland welcoming West Ham United at the Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon. The Premier League is widely considered the best football league in the world, and consequently, excitement levels are at an all-time high. Newly promoted side, Sunderland, will host one of English football's most regular features, West Ham. The Sunderland vs West Ham promises to deliver an unmissable spectacle for the fans, especially for those of the home team.

Sunderland has participated in a plethora of pre-season friendlies. The club will take part in the top tier of English football for the first time since the 2016/17 season. During this period, Sunderland has undergone a rollercoaster of a journey, which involved a relegation to the third division, League One. However, after a successful play-off qualification battle, the Black Cats will once again get a chance to experience the trials and tribulations of the Premier League. Coach, Regis Le Bris, will be aware that his main objective will be to ensure survival this season.

West Ham has enjoyed a successful run of results during its pre-season. Coach Graham Potter will be delighted to have the time to transmit his ideas to the players, having only joined the club midway through last season. West Ham managed three wins, one draw, and just a single defeat in its five pre-season friendlies. The Hammers have made some smart moves in the summer transfer window and will be determined to spoil Sunderland's homecoming to the Premier League. Graham Potter will be expected to lead his side to at least a finish in the top half of the table.

Sunderland Team News

Within the Sunderland fanbase, the enthusiasm will be at an all-time high to witness Granit Xhaka make his official debut. The former Leverkusen man has chosen a very precarious option at this time in his career. Unfortunately, the likes of Ajibola Alese, Anthony Patterson, Chris Rigg, Dennis Cirkin, Leo Hjelde, Luke O'Nien, Romaine Mundle, and Wilson Isidor will not be a part of the match due to respective fitness woes.

West Ham Team News

For the Hammers, Crysencio Summerville is the only name scheduled to miss the opening matchday of the season. The forward has been out of action because of a hamstring injury since January and is scheduled to return in mid-September.

Sunderland vs West Ham Predicted Lineups

Here is an overview of the Sunderland vs West Ham Predicted Lineups:

Sunderland Predicted Lineup (4-3-3)

Goalkeeper: Roefs

Defenders: Hume, Ballard, Seelt, Reinildo

Midfielders: Diarra, Xhaka, Sadiki

Forwards: Talbi, Mayenda, Adingra

West Ham Predicted Lineup (5-3-2)

Goalkeeper: Areola

Defenders: Wan-Bissaka, Aguerd, Todibo, Kilman, Diouf

Midfielders: Ward-Prowse, Potts, Paqueta

Forwards: Bowen, Fulkrug

Sunderland vs West Ham H2H Record

Overall, in the last five games between the two sides, West Ham have won three games and the remaining two have ended in draws.

Key Players to Watch in Sunderland vs West Ham

Granit Xhaka (Sunderland)

Granit Xhaka's arrival at Sunderland is a clear statement of intent by the club owners. The Swiss international enjoyed a very successful spell at Bayer Leverkusen and has now chosen a very ambitious path for his career. Xhaka is already well-equipped with the experience of the Premier League, having been a part of Arsenal previously. Granit Xhaka will operate at the heart of the midfield as a deep-lying playmaker. Xhaka is also a menace from set-piece situations, which makes him an all-round midfielder.

Jarrod Bowen (West Ham)

Jarrod Bowen would have hoped for a better past few seasons, which would have taken him to the promised land he was always destined for. Nonetheless, Bowen will be aware that a fresh season will bring plenty of opportunities. The Englishman amassed 14 goals and eight assists for West Ham last season. He will once again be the most creative and the most inspiring piece of attack for the Hammers.

Sunderland vs West Ham Prediction

Sunderland fans will have their fairytale return to the Premier League in their minds. West Ham, though, will have the requisite experience and the collective quality to begin the season with a win. Here is a look at a detailed overview of the Sunderland vs West Ham Prediction.

Predicted Score: Sunderland 1-2 West Ham

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