Sunderland are back in the Premier League for the first time since 2017 and their 2025/26 campaign opens with a home game against West Ham United on August 16.
The Black Cats sealed a spot back in the big time in dramatic style as Tom Watson's sensational late goal secured an EFL Championship playoff final win over Sheffield United.
That brought top-flight football back to the Stadium of Light, and head coach Regis le Bris has since invested heavily to bring his squad up to Premier League level.
The French coach has secured a host of new faces including former Arsenal captain Granit Xhaka who will take the armband for 2025/26.
West Ham boss Graham Potter lost Mohammed Kudus to Tottenham at the start of the summer with a permanent deal for Jean-Clair Todibo the standout move of their transfer window so far.
MORE: Sunderland continue summer spending as La Liga defender joins
Sunderland vs. West Ham lineups: Predicted starting XI, team news, injuries
Sunderland have a host of injury issues carrying over from last season with Aji Alese, Luke O'Nien, Leo Hjelde, Romain Mundle and Dennis Cirkin all still out.
With Jobe Bellingham moving on to Borussia Dortmund, Xhaka will fill that midfield spot, alongside expected Premier League debuts for Enzo Le Fee and Habib Diarra.
Sunderland predicted starting XI (4-4-2, right to left): Roefs (GK) — Hume, Ballard, Alderete, Masuaku — Talbi, Diarra, Xhaka, Adingra — Le Fee, Isidor
Injured: Alese (sholuder), O'Nein (shoulder), Hjelde (Achilles), Mundl (thigh), Cirkin (wrist)
Suspended: None
Potter has confirmed Crysencio Summerville is the only absentee from his travelling Hammers squad for the trip to the North East.
Callum Wilson, who joined on a free transfer following his release from Newcastle United, could start alongside captain Jarrod Bowen.
West Ham predicted starting XI (3-5-2, right to left): Fabianski (GK) — Todibo, Kilman, Kostas — Wan-Bissaka, Soucek, Alvarez, Ward-Prowse, Diouf — Wilson, Bowen
Injured: Summerville (thigh)
Suspended: None
Sunderland vs. West Ham match details
- Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025
- Kickoff time: 3 p.m. local / 7:30 p.m. IST
- Location: Stadium of Light, Sunderland
- Competition: Premier League
- Referee: Robert Jones
- VAR: Stuart Attwell
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