Jarrod Bowen To Start | 5-3-2 West Ham Predicted Starting Lineup Against Sunderland | OneFootball

It’s Premier League time as Sunderland and West Ham will face off in their respective first match of the new 2025/26 season on 16 August at the Stadium of Light. The Hammers will be looking to make a fresh start, with their eyes on the first three points, after finishing 14th in the points table last season. Learning from the mistakes of last season, Graham Potter will hope that the backline remains strong and compact this season.

Sunderland will be confident with the support of the home fans, but West Ham’s experience and performance in these kinds of matches can give them an added advantage in this encounter against the home team. Both teams will be looking to start the season on a strong note. So, in this article, let us take a look at the predicted starting lineup of West Ham for this game.

5-3-2 West Ham Predicted Starting Lineup Against Sunderland:

Defence

Graham Potter will be expected to field five players in the backline to strengthen West Ham’s defence in this match. Areola’s presence on the goalpost, as usual, will give the team confidence. Wan-Bissaka’s experience on the right will help stop opposition attacks, while the combination of Aguerd and Kilman in the middle will provide strength.

Todibo’s ability to withstand pressure and Diouf’s work rate in wide areas will make this backline look balanced. Potter’s strategy will be clear in the opening game, and that is to strengthen the defence so much that the opposition attack is limited in the opening minutes.

Midfield

West Ham will be preparing to bring a balance of creativity and efficiency in midfield. Paqueta is expected to dictate the tempo of the game with his technical qualities and attributes, while young Potts will bring energy and pace into the midfield.

Ward-Prowse can prove dangerous on set-pieces and will help in the build up of attacks by controlling the ball. For Potter, this midfield will not only form a bridge between defence and attack but will also control the pace of the game. This trio is expected to play an important role in breaking the opposition press.

Attack

LONDON, ENGLAND – AUGUST 09: Jarrod Bowen of West Ham United during the pre-season friendly match between West Ham United and Lille OSC at London Stadium on August 09, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Fullkrug’s physical attributes in the forward line and his presence in the box will cause problems for the opposition defence. Bowen’s nimble movement and ability to score at crucial moments will give West Ham an edge in attack.

Potter will rely on the duo to create chances and convert them into goals. Their ability to get into the opposition box can stretch the opposition backline and create gaps, and provide the team opportunities to score. This formation looks set to keep West Ham balanced and dangerous in their first game.