Sunderland welcome West Ham United to the Stadium of Light for their opening fixture of the 2025–26 Premier League season, marking their first top-flight outing since 2017. A sense of anticipation surrounds Sunderland’s return after an eight-year absence, following promotion via the play-offs last spring. The home crowd will be eager to see how the club’s extensive summer overhaul translates to the top division, with many new arrivals likely to feature in the starting line-up.
Sunderland’s pre-season form has been mixed, which was somewhat expected given the challenges of integrating numerous new signings. The Black Cats have recruited heavily, with midfielders Habib Diarra, Noah Sadiki, and the experienced Granit Xhaka joining the fold. On top of that, Simon Adingra and Chemsdine Talbi have been brought in as wide options, while Reinildo Mandava and Arthur Masuaku provide defensive depth. Sunderland had a strong home record in the Championship last season with twelve wins and just four defeats, which is a source of optimism for supporters.
West Ham, managed by Graham Potter, concluded last season in 14th place. Defensive frailties were a recurring concern, witnessed by 62 goals conceded in the previous campaign, but those vulnerabilities were assuaged throughout Potter's reign. However, with that, issues at the other end began to occur, with West Ham struggling to put the ball in the back of the net.
The Hammers have strengthened in the transfer market, with full-backs Kyle Walker-Peters and El Hadji Malick Diouf, goalkeeper Mads Hermansen, and striker Callum Wilson all joining the club. Additionally, Lucas Paqueta has been cleared of his gambling charges, which could be a boost to the Hammers' season.
West Ham were more effective away than at home during the last campaign, taking 23 points on the road last season, and ended with two away wins, something they'll hope to carry into the early portion of this season. Historically, West Ham have fared well in encounters with Sunderland, holding an unbeaten streak in their last eight meetings.
Sunderland 1-1 West Ham
