Preview: Sunderland vs West Ham United – Prediction, Team News, Line-ups

West Ham United will look to make a comeback in 2025-26 after a dreadful season last year. 

The Hammers will start the new campaign on Saturday with an away trip to the newly promoted Sunderland team. 

Match Preview 

West Ham endured a disappointing 2024-25 season, as they finished 14th in the Premier League after winning just 11 of their 38 matches. 

They parted company with Julen Lopetegui in January, but his replacement Graham Potter also failed to revive their fortunes. 

The English boss, who enjoyed great success at Brighton & Hove Albion, will aim to inspire a comeback. 

But the club’s transfer activity this summer doesn’t give a lot of encouragement to fans. 

Although the Hammers performed superbly in their pre-season friendlies. After losing to Manchester United, West Ham went to claim victories against Everton, Bournemouth and Lille. 

On the other hand, Sunderland are brimming with confidence after making their long-awaited return to the English top-flight. 

The Black Cats have added around a dozen new players to the squad this summer as they look to avoid an immediate drop to the Championship. 

Their pre-season performances haven’t been very convincing, but their fans should not read too much into these results as the team return to the serious business of Premier League action. 

Team News 

Sunderland are dealing with plenty of injury woes this weekend, as Niall Huggins, Aji Alese, Dennis Cirkin, Romaine Mundle, Leo Hjelde and Luke O’Nien are all out with fitness issues. 

The situation is quite different for West Ham, who will only be missing Crysencio Summerville for the weekend clash due to injury. 

Sunderland vs West Ham United potential line-ups 

Sunderland: Patterson; Rigg, Ballard, Pembele, Hume; Neil, Roberts, Mayenda, Adingra; Isidor, Le Fee

West Ham: Areola; Wan-Bissaka, Aguerd, Kilman, Todibo, Diouf; Paqueta, Potts, Ward-Prowse; Fullkrug, Bowen

Sunderland vs West Ham United prediction 

West Ham boast an impressive record against Sunderland, with the East Londoners winning 16 and losing nine of their 35 meetings. 

We believe the Hammers will come away with a comfortable victory from Sunderland on Saturday. 

Sunderland 0-2 West Ham United