Sunderland vs West Ham United – Match preview and team news | OneFootball

Sunderland mark their return to the Premier League after an eight-year absence with a home fixture against West Ham United at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

Regis Le Bris’s side, promoted via the Championship play-offs, have undergone a significant squad rebuild with an eye on consolidation, while West Ham, under Graham Potter, seek to recover from a 14th-place finish last term by fostering internal improvements and selective additions.

The encounter pits the Black Cats’ fresh impetus against the Hammers’ quest for stability, in what could prove a telling early indicator for both clubs’ ambitions amid the league’s unrelenting demands.

Sunderland vs West Ham United – Match preview and team news

Team News

Sunderland

Sunderland return to the Premier League backed by a significant summer investment, with a host of new arrivals poised for their competitive debuts. The spending is headlined by the club-record £30m signing of midfielder Habib Diarra from Strasbourg. He is joined by former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka, who arrives from Bayer Leverkusen for £17.3m and will immediately assume the captain’s armband.

The recruitment drive also includes other high-value additions such as winger Simon Adingra and midfielder Enzo Le Fee, while the defence is bolstered by the astute free transfer of Reinildo Mandava from Atletico Madrid.

Manager Régis Le Bris could field as many as seven newcomers as he looks to inject fresh quality into the core of last season’s promotion-winning squad. However, his selection plans are complicated by a lengthy injury list. Key defenders Luke O’Nien (shoulder), Aji Alese (shoulder), Leo Hjelde (Achilles), and Dennis Cirkin (wrist) are all confirmed absentees. Winger Romaine Mundle faces a longer spell on the sidelines, having been ruled out for approximately two months with a thigh injury.

Furthermore, Omar Alderete, Arthur Masuaku, and Chelsea loanee Marc Guiu will face late fitness tests to determine their availability. While the Black Cats will be looking to channel the resilience that secured their dramatic 95th-minute play-off final victory, they must also overcome a historically poor record on the opening day of a top-flight season.

West Ham United

Manager Graham Potter has refreshed his squad with four new signings, all of whom are in contention for an immediate debut. Goalkeeper Mads Hermansen has been brought in alongside defender Kyle Walker-Peters and experienced forward Callum Wilson, while El Hadji Malick Diouf adds another attacking option. Furthermore, the club has solidified its defensive ranks by making Jean-Clair Todibo’s loan deal permanent.

The core of the team remains intact, with captain Jarrod Bowen and Brazilian playmaker Lucas Paqueta expected to provide the attacking impetus, supported by the established midfield pairing of Tomas Soucek and James Ward-Prowse.

However, preparations for the season opener have been hampered by injuries. Winger Crysencio Summerville is unavailable as he continues his recovery from a hamstring strain, and George Earthy remains sidelined by an ankle injury sustained during pre-season training.

Following a productive loan spell at Portsmouth, academy graduate Freddie Potts could be rewarded with a place in the matchday squad. Potter’s approach this season has reportedly centred on tactical refinement to address the defensive frailties of the last campaign, rather than on a complete overhaul of the squad.

Form

Sunderland: N/A

Regis Le Bris’s team recorded a mixed pre-season, with only two victories in nine outings, including a 3-0 defeat to Rayo Vallecano that underscored defensive vulnerabilities. They build, however, on the momentum of promotion, and the focus shifts to rapid adaptation in the Premier League.

West Ham United: N/A

Graham Potter’s squad showed glimpses of progress in pre-season but must prioritise consistency after conceding prolifically en route to a 14th-place finish last term. The emphasis lies on foundational adjustments to restore competitive edge.

Predicted Lineups

Sunderland:Roefs; Hume, Seelt, Balland, Reinaldo; Sadiki, Xhaka, Diarra; Talbi, Mayenda, Adingra.

West Ham United: Hermansen; Todibo, Kilman, Aguerd; Walker-Peters, Soucek, Ward-Prowse, Diouf; Bowen, Paqueta; Fullkrug.

How to watch Sunderland vs West Ham United?

The Saturday 3pm blackout prevents live television coverage in the UK, but highlights will feature on BBC’s Match of the Day from 10:20pm BST. Club channels may provide audio commentary, with full replays available post-match.

Read- Premier League Preview: The fans’ view – Sunderland

See More – Premier League Preview: The fans’ view – West Ham

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