Sunderland are winless in eight meetings with West Ham, dating back to 2013, albeit each of their last three encounters at the Stadium of Light have produced draws.
Sunderland vs West Ham United preview
After eight seasons away, four of which were spent stranded in EFL League One, Sunderland are back in the Premier League, but will they be back with a bang? The Black Cats gained promotion via the play-offs in the most dramatic fashion possible. Dan Ballard's header at the end of injury time at the end of extra time ousted Coventry City in the semis, before Tommy Watson's 95th minute strike at Wembley saw them defeat Sheffield United in the final, both sparking amazing scenes of celebration.
Since, Régis Le Bris has spent heavily in the transfer market, aiming to make Sunderland as competitive as possible, seeking to break the trend of all three promoted clubs going straight back down. After this, the Black Cats' August fixtures are Burnley (A) and then Brentford (H), all of which have to be viewed as winnable, so a good start to the season will be imperative for Sunderland.
In contrast, West Ham United supporters could surely be forgiven for fearing the worst heading into the new campaign. Last time round, the Irons finished 14th with just 43 points to their name, and their form actually marginally worsened after Graham Potter replaced the unpopular Julen Lopetegui in January. The Hammers' tally of nine home defeats, some of which were embarrassingly heavy shellackings, was their most in a single campaign since being relegated in 2010/11.
Thus, having failed to impress in his first half-season at the helm, Potter is immediately under pressure to make a strong start this year. Well, after this, West Ham's next three fixtures are Chelsea (H), Nottingham Forest (A) and then Tottenham (H), so victory in Wearside could prove imperative. Nevertheless, we make Sunderland favourites to make home advantage count on Saturday.
Sunderland vs West Ham United head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 92.
- Sunderland Wins: 31. Draws: 25. West Ham United Wins: 36.
Sunderland team news
Régis Le Bris could have as many as ten debutants here, after a summer spend of over £146 million. Robin Roefs is the new first-choice goalkeeper, with fellow new recruits Omar Alderete and Reinildo Mandava are likely to start in defence; Arthur Masuaku will face his former club should he feature.
Elsewhere, Granit Xhaka has been named the new club captain, despite being yet to feature for Sunderland, with Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra forecast to debut on the wings. One familiar face Wilson Isidor, who scored 13 goals last season, including netting against Coventry in the play-offs, will lead the attack, chosen over Chelsea loanee Marc Guiu for now. Last, but by no means least, Habib Diarra is the club-record signing, so supporters are excited to see him for the first time.
Sunderland predicted lineup vs West Ham United: (4-3-3): Roefs; Hume, Ballard, Alderete, Reinildo; Xhaka, Diarra, Le Fée; Talbi, Adingra, Isidor.
Sunderland player to watch vs West Ham United
Chemsdine Talbi scored seven goals for Club Brugge last season, including a brace in the Champions League knockout phase against Atalanta, so will he impress on debut at the Stadium of Light?
West Ham United team news
Graham Potter has deployed a 5-3-2 throughout pre-season, forecast to stick with that system here. Mohammed Kudus has gone, but Callum Wilson will be hoping to debut, although he's unlikely to receive a warm welcome from the Sunderland supporters, having made the move from Newcastle.
Elsewhere, fellow new recruits Kyle Walker-Peters and El Hadji Malick Diouf are forecast to start at full-back, while Mads Hermansen will be the new first-choice goalkeeper, having arrived from Leicester for £20 million. Niclas Füllkrug and Jarrod Bowen both scored twice in three Premier League Summer Series appearances, so will either start the season for real with a goal?
West Ham United predicted lineup vs Sunderland: (5-2-1-2): Hermansen; Walker-Peters, Todibo, Kilman, Aguerd, Diouf; Ward-Prowse, Souček, Paquetá; Bowen, Füllkrug.
West Ham United player to watch vs Sunderland
Lucas Paquetá has finally been cleared by the FA for alleged spot-fixing, something that has been hanging over him for two years, so will this concluding see him back to his magical best?
Sunderland vs West Ham United prediction
As already noted, we're backing Sunderland for an opening day victory, with the Black Cats roared on by a partisan crowd, while West Ham still have plenty to figure out: Sunderland 2-1 West Ham.
Sunderland vs West Ham United FAQs - Premier League
How to watch Sunderland vs West Ham United in the Premier League on TV channel?
Sunderland vs West Ham United in the Premier League will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: This match is not being broadcast live in the UK.
- USA: Peacock.
- Canada: Fubo Sports Network Canada
How to watch Sunderland vs West Ham United in the Premier League on live streaming?
Sunderland vs West Ham United in the Premier League will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: This match is not being broadcast live in the UK.
- USA: Peacock.
- Canada: fuboTV Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Sunderland vs West Ham United in the Premier League?
Sunderland vs West Ham United takes place on Saturday 16 August 2025, with kick off at 15:00 (BST), 10:00 (EDT) & 7:00 (PDT).