Sunderland make their long-awaited return to the Premier League against West Ham United at the Stadium of Light on Saturday 16th August at 3pm. The Black Cats will be experiencing their first top-flight campaign since 2016-17. West Ham, meanwhile, are embarking on their first full season under Graham Potter.
Granit Xhaka to be carded (3/1 with BoyleSports)
Granit Xhaka’s disciplinary record makes him a strong candidate for a booking in Sunderland’s upcoming match against West Ham. In his Premier League career, Xhaka averages 1.28 fouls per game, placing him among the top players for fouls committed per match. His aggressive playing style often leads to yellow cards, and it would be very ‘Xhaka-like’ to find his way into the book on his return to England.
Correct Score: 1-0 Sunderland (9/1 with BoyleSports)
Sunderland’s return to the Premier League is set to be bolstered by the formidable atmosphere at the Stadium of Light. Home results will be crucial if they are to stand any chance of staying up this season, and the crowd will play a key part. West Ham underwhelmed for large parts of last season under Graham Potter and it’s worth taking a chance on Sunderland to pull off a narrow victory on the opening weekend.
How both teams go into Sunderland vs West Ham
This will be a highly anticipated day in the North East. The return of Premier League football to the Stadium of Light. Sunderland sealed their return to the Premier League through the play-offs, coming from behind to beat Sheffield Wednesday in the final at Wembley. The last time Sunderland were in the Premier League, they finished bottom, with just 24 points from their 38 games.
Sunderland won 12 of their 23 home games last season, alongside seven draws and four defeats. Their results at the Stadium of Light brought 56.58% of Sunderland’s total points tally for the 2024-25 Championship campaign. And it was a home draw against Coventry in the semi-finals that sealed Sunderland’s trip to Wembley.
Graham Potter didn’t have the best start to life as West Ham manager. But now he’ll have a pre-season behind him and a transfer window to build the squad he wants. The Hammers may have finished above Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur in the league last season, but they still had to settle for 14th. Defence was a big problem for the Hammers, with 62 goals conceded and a goal difference of -16.
West Ham were actually better away from home than they were at the London Stadium in 2024-25. The Hammers took 23 points from their 19 games on the road, compared to 20 at home. That included six wins and five draw, alongside eight defeats. They also won their final two away games of the 2024-25 campaign.
Sunderland team news
Luke O’Nein is a doubt after a dislocated shoulder. Romaine Mundle is out with a thing injury, while Dennis Cirkin is unavailable after surgery on his wrist.
West Ham team news
Crysencio Summerville is West Ham’s only injury concern, with the forward expected to be back around September.
Sunderland vs West Ham head-to-head
This will be the first meeting between Sunderland and West Ham for just over eight years. West Ham are unbeaten in their past eight games against the Black Cats.
| Date | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| 15/04/17 | Sunderland 2-2 West Ham | Premier League |
| 22/10/16 | West Ham 1-0 Sunderland | Premier League |
| 27/02/16 | West Ham 1-0 Sunderland | Premier League |
| 03/10/15 | Sunderland 2-2 West Ham | Premier League |
| 21/03/15 | West Ham 1-0 Sunderland | Premier League |