Sunderland vs West Ham Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | Premier League 2025-26

The Black Cats return to the Premier League after an eight-year absence

Sunderland will open their 2025-26 Premier League campaign against West Ham United at home. The match scheduled for 16th August will see these two teams square off at the Stadium of Light. Surely, it doesn’t need to be reiterated what it would mean for the Sunderland fans and supporters alike who patiently waited for their club to make its comeback to the elite division of English football.

The wait and labour reaped rewards as Sunderland won the play-offs against Sheffield United (2-1) courtesy of goals from Eliezer Mayenda and Thomas Watson, subsequently helping them book their berth in this year’s Premier League.

West Ham, on the other hand, might not have an emotional comeback as their backstory, but will surely play for redemption. The club fell five places (14th spot) from their 9th-place finish in the 2023-24 season and will look to make amends. The Hammers have started their pre-season in a dominant fashion, losing just one out of their last five.

Kick-off:

• Location: Sunderland, England
• Stadium: Stadium of Light
• Date: Saturday, August 16
• Kick-off time: 07:30 p.m. IST
• Referee: Robert Jones
• VAR: In use

Form:

Sunderland: L-L-L-W-L

West Ham United: W-L-W-W-W

Players to Watch

Eliezer Mayenda (Sunderland)

Eliezer Mayenda is a promising youngster who can very well prove to be the “answer” against West Ham. The striker scored the all-important goal against Sheffield United in the 2025 EFL Championship play-off final, which helped them level the score in the 76th minute.

The Zaragoza-born player is of Togolese and Cameroonian descent and has spent his youth career playing for clubs in Spain and France. He also spent a year in the Scottish club Hibernian last season.

Jarrod Bowen (West Ham)

Jarrod Bowen’s name will probably go down as one of the future greats in the claret and sky blue colours when he decides to hang up his boots. The Captain of the team surely likes to lead from the front on the pitch.

Bowen has appeared in over 230 matches for the club and scored 74 goals for the club since joining the club in 2020. His technique, coupled with his ability to find goals with ease, makes him a threat to his opposition team.

Match Facts

• The Black Cats’ last home win against West Ham United was in 2013
• West Ham United have scored at least one goal in 13 consecutive matches
• The average number of goals in meetings between Sunderland AFC and West Ham United is 2.2

Sunderland vs West Ham: Betting Tips and Odds

• West Ham favourites to win the game at @ 2.18.
• Over 2.5 goals to be scored @1.95 1XBET
• Jarrod Bowen to score 11/2 bet365

Injury and Team News

In the Sunderland squad, Niall Huggins, Aji Alese, Dennis Cirkin, Romaine Mundle, Leo Hjelde and Luke O’Nien are out with injuries

In the West Ham squad, Crysencio Summerville is out injured

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Head-to-Head

Total Matches: 35

Sunderland won: 9

West Ham won: 16

Draws: 10

Predicted Lineups

Sunderland predicted lineup (4-4-2)

Patterson (GK); Rigg, Ballard, Pembele, Hume; Neil, Roberts, Mayenda, Adingra; Isidor, Le Fee

West Ham predicted lineup (5-3-2)

Areola (GK); Wan-Bissaka, Aguerd, Kilman, Todibo, Diouf; Paqueta, Potts, Ward-Prowse; Fullkrug, Bowen

Match Prediction

West Ham‘s track record against Sunderland and recent litany of wins make them the favourites even as they play on the opposition turf. But Sunderland can’t be ruled out. Making their return after a long gap, the club under Regis Le Bris would be determined not to falter after earning their spot back with the “Big Boys”.

Prediction: Sunderland 0-3 West Ham

Telecast Details

India: JioHotStar, Star Sports Network TV

UK: Sky Sports Football, TNT Sports

US: NBC Sports

Nigeria: SuperSport

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