Sunderland vs West Ham United Predictions, Lineups & Betting Tips

Match Details: August 16, 2025 | Stadium of Light | Premier League | 15:00

The Stadium of Light will be a cauldron of emotion and noise this Saturday as Sunderland mark their long-awaited return to the Premier League against West Ham United. After securing promotion through the Championship play-offs, the Black Cats will be eager to prove they belong back in the top flight. Their pre-season has been a mixed bag, but new signings like Granit Xhaka, Simon Adingra, and Marc Guiu have added significant quality and will be looking to make an instant impact.

West Ham, under new manager Graham Potter, are hoping for a much-improved campaign after a disappointing 14th-place finish last season. Their pre-season has been promising, with key players like Jarrod Bowen and Niclas Füllkrug finding their form. While Sunderland's home advantage and renewed attacking options will pose a real threat, West Ham's greater Premier League experience and overall squad depth could be the decisive factor. Our prediction is for a tightly contested affair, with West Ham’s quality just edging it in a 2-1 victory.

Key Betting Tip: West Ham to Win at 2.05 odds (Kwiff Bet) represents excellent value based on the tip provided by our team of in-house tipsters.

Sunderland vs West Ham United Predicted Lineups

Sunderland Predicted XI: Roefs, Hume, Ballard, Seelt, Reinildo, Xhaka, Diarra, Sadiki, Le Fée, Mayenda, Adingra

Former West Ham players Ajibola Alese and Arthur Masuaku are doubts for this match. Cirkin, Hjelde, O’Nien, and Mundle are also unavailable due to injury.

West Ham United Predicted XI: Areola, Wan-Bissaka, Kilman, Todibo, Diouf, Álvarez, Ward-Prowse, Bowen, Paquetá, Guilherme, Füllkrug

Crysencio Summerville is unavailable for this match due to injury.

Sunderland vs West Ham United Current League Standings

As this is the season opener, there are no standings as of now. Last season, Sunderland finished 4th in the EFL Championship with 76 points, winning the playoffs by defeating Coventry and Sheffield United. West Ham United finished 14th in the Premier League during the 2024/25 season with 43 points, just five points behind 17th place.

Sunderland vs West Ham United Head-to-Head Timeline

This will be the first meeting in eight years between this pair. They have met 92 times overall, with West Ham winning 36 times, Sunderland winning 31 times, and 25 draws as well.

Recent Head-to-Head Results:

• April 2017: Sunderland 2-2 West Ham United
• October 2016: West Ham United 1-0 Sunderland
• February 2016: West Ham United 1-0 Sunderland
• October 2015: Sunderland 2-2 West Ham United
• March 2015: West Ham United 1-0 Sunderland

Bizarrely, the last two matches played in Sunderland have ended 2-2, and the last three matches played in London have ended 1-0 to the home team.

Recent Sunderland and West Ham United Matches Analysis

Sunderland Last 5 Matches:

• Sunderland 0-3 Rayo Vallecano (Friendly)
• Augsburg 0-1 Sunderland (Friendly)
• Sunderland 0-1 Real Betis (Friendly)
• Hull City 2-1 Sunderland (Friendly)
• Hearts of Mithlodian 3-0 Sunderland (Friendly)

It has been a rocky preseason for the Black Cats against some experienced European sides.

West Ham United Last 5 Matches:

• West Ham United 1-1 Lille OSC (Friendly)
• Bournemouth 0-2 West Ham United (Friendly)
• West Ham United 2-1 Everton (Friendly)
• Manchester United 2-1 West Ham United (Friendly)
• Grasshopper 1-3 West Ham United

West Ham looked strong in preseason, almost winning the US Premier League tour by beating fellow top-tier sides Everton and Bournemouth.

Sunderland vs West Ham United Predictions

Our advanced algorithm analyses over 200 data points to generate these predictions with 66.70% confidence in a West Ham United victory. The model factors in current form, head-to-head records, player availability, and tactical matchups.

Best Sunderland vs West Ham United Betting Tips

Football Park’s Best Bet: West Ham United to Win @ 2.05 - Our team of in-house betting tipsters have predicted a West Ham United win in this fixture. Their superior form, home advantage, and head-to-head record justify confidence in this selection.

Key Players to Watch: Sunderland vs West Ham United

Granit Xhaka (Sunderland): A significant summer signing, Xhaka's experience and leadership will be vital for a Sunderland side with many young players. His ability to control the midfield and dictate the tempo will be crucial in their first Premier League game back.

Jarrod Bowen (West Ham United): The West Ham captain is coming off a strong season and is a constant threat with his intelligent runs and goalscoring ability. He will be the primary source of attacking danger for the Hammers and will be looking to get his season off to a flying start.

Reinildo Mandava (Sunderland): As a new signing in a makeshift Sunderland defence due to injuries, Mandava will be under immense pressure. His performance will be a key factor in whether the Black Cats can contain West Ham's potent attack, particularly the threat posed by Bowen on the wing.

Sunderland vs West Ham United Match Facts

Broadcast Details: This game will be unavailable to stream in the UK due to the nationwide blackout.

Referee: Robert Jones (England) has refereed in the English Football League since 2016 and the Premier League since 2019.

Stadium Information: The Stadium of Light is an all-seater football stadium in Sunderland, England, and the eighth and current home of Sunderland. With space for 49,000 spectators, the Stadium of Light is the 10th largest football stadium in England.