🔊 What will Sunderland's return to the English Premier League look like after an eight-year absence? Their first test will come against Graham Potter's West Ham United. Breaking the trend of newly promoted teams getting relegated from the EPL won't be easy. But we'll revisit that question as the season unfolds. For now, let's examine how bright the spotlight will shine on the Stadium of Light in Sunderland and whether it can dazzle the visitors from London.

Head-to-Head

📊 From 2010 until Sunderland's relegation in 2017, the teams faced off 8 times (including one match in the English League Cup). West Ham remained unbeaten in these head-to-head encounters, securing 5 victories. The teams drew on three occasions.

Sunderland Team Overview

🔴 The 2024/25 season under the guidance of French coach Régis Le Bris was fairly stable for Sunderland. For most of the Championship (from matchday 16 to 46), the “red and whites” held onto 4th place, securing a spot in the playoffs for the Premier League. Sunderland kicked off their promotion campaign with a 2-1 victory over Coventry City. The return leg at the Stadium of Light turned into a real drama: it was only in the 120+2 minute that defender Daniel Ballard saved them from a penalty shootout. The final against Sheffield United nearly mirrored the previous encounter: while it didn’t go to extra time, the “Black Cats” secured their top-flight promotion once again in added time, scoring in the 90+5 minute. The preseason for Le Bris' squad wasn’t particularly successful, with six losses, two wins, and a draw.

📝 Sunderland conducted a strong transfer campaign ahead of their Premier League debut, spending a total of €152.6 million. They strengthened all areas: three forwards—Kemsdin Talbi, Marg Giou, and Simon Adingra—joined the squad, along with defenders Omar Alderete and Arthur Masuaku, and goalkeeper Robin Rufs. However, the midfield saw the most changes, bolstered by four new players: Habib Diarra, Enzo Le Fée, and Noah Sadiki. The standout signing was Granit Xhaka—the Bundesliga champion and former Arsenal captain—who was immediately promised the captain's armband at Sunderland.

West Ham United Team Overview

⚒ The winners of the 2022/23 UEFA Europa Conference League spent last season languishing at the bottom of the Premier League table. The winter appointment of Graham Potter offered some relief, with a late-season surge lifting them from 17th to 14th in the final four matches. This positive momentum carried into the preseason. West Ham kicked off the summer with a 3-1 away victory over Swiss side Grasshopper. They then embarked on a U.S. tour for the Premier League Summer Series, where, after an opening loss to Manchester United (1-2), they secured wins against Everton and Bournemouth with scores of 2-1 and 2-0, respectively. The Hammers' attack shone during this tournament, with Jarrod Bowen netting two goals and providing an assist, while Niclas Füllkrug scored twice. The German striker also found the net in their final preseason match against Lille, equalizing to take the game to penalties, where West Ham triumphed 5-4.

📝 In the transfer market, West Ham have been relatively restrained this summer. They've strategically bolstered each area of the squad by signing forward Callum Wilson, midfielder Malik Diouf, goalkeeper Mads Hermansen, and defender Jean-Clair Todibo. Todibo's move became permanent after a year on loan, transferring from Nice for €42.5 million. The club's management focused on trimming the wage bill by releasing veteran players. Departures included seasoned professionals like Łukasz Fabiański (40), Vladimír Coufal (32), Danny Ings (33), and true West Ham stalwarts Michail Antonio and Aaron Cresswell, both 35, who had been with the club since 2015.

Latest news

Sunderland

🎙 "I am incredibly proud to be here. When I spoke with the club, I felt the energy and determination from everyone—both the management and the players. This is exactly what I was looking for. I have a really good feeling about this. We've returned to where this club belongs, and we want to stay here to write our own history. I feel ready to contribute to the team with my experience and professionalism," shares Granit Xhaka about his move.

❌ The participation of three newcomers—Marc Guehi, Arthur Masuaku, and Omar Alderete—is in doubt for the upcoming match. Definitely sidelined due to injuries are Luke O'Nien, Alice Ajibola, Romain Mundl, Leo Fuhr Hjelde, and Dennis Cirkin.

West Ham United

🎙 "People might like it or not, but I'm going to say it anyway. As a player, I see that true loyalty in this game is lost. I spent ten years at West Ham, like many of these players, and that loyalty doesn't last forever anymore. I think it's right because, in the end, clubs don't treat players the way they used to either. These days, football clubs treat players like 'meat.' We are just meat to them. Once we start to spoil, it's time to sell or discard," stated Michael Antonio after his departure from West Ham.

❌ Out of action due to a hamstring injury is forward Crysencio Summerville. This is the only absence for West Ham.

⚽️ Goal Prediction

⚽️ Goal Prediction

In only 50% of Sunderland's last 10 matches (including preseason) has the total exceeded 3 goals. Furthermore, in 5 out of 6 home games, the "Red and Whites" failed to score. The "Hammers," on the other hand, have a contrasting record, scoring twice in 7 out of 8 matches. We anticipate a similar scenario here. Our pick: West Ham's individual total over 1.5 goals.

🚩 Corner Prediction

West Ham averages 3.8 corners over their last 10 matches, which is significantly lower than their opponent's average of 5.8. Sunderland has only delivered fewer corners than their opponents twice during this period. The "Black Cats'" commitment to set pieces and their home advantage lead us to back Sunderland to win on corners.

Bookmakers lean towards the visitors, but the odds are quite generous for them. Despite a flurry of new signings, the Premier League newcomers had a lackluster preseason, unlike their opponents. The "Cats" opted for quantity, both in terms of signings and friendly matches played. The belief is that these numerous transfers could bring as much "quality" as a comprehensive preparation for the top-flight season might offer.

Under Graham Potter, West Ham adopt a pragmatic style of play, rarely defeating opponents by more than a single goal margin. We anticipate the "Hammers" will control the game and secure a 2-1 victory. Considering the high odds, a more cautious bet is advisable, especially at the start of the season, known for its surprises just as much as Boxing Day fixtures are renowned for shocks. Editorial choice: West Ham to win with a handicap (0).