Sunderland vs West Ham United – Predicted lineup and team news | OneFootball

Sunderland return to the Premier League this Saturday. They will host West Ham United in a significant opening fixture, ending an eight-year absence from the top flight.

Fresh from their play-off success, Régis Le Bris has overseen a £130m squad transformation designed for survival. Meanwhile, Graham Potter leads a Hammers side targeting a return to form after last season’s slide.

The atmosphere at the Stadium of Light will undoubtedly be electric. However, both teams must be wary of the challenges of finding their footing in the opening weeks of the campaign.

Sunderland vs West Ham United – Predicted lineup and team news

Sunderland team news

Régis Le Bris is set to hand debuts to a host of new signings for the season opener. Specifically, club-record signing Habib Diarra should form a new-look midfield alongside new captain Granit Xhaka and fellow newcomer Enzo Le Fee.

Further forward, Simon Adingra and Chemsdine Talbi are vying for starting roles, while Robin Roefs is a strong contender to start in goal.

In defence, the arrival of the experienced Reinildo Mandava certainly bolsters the squad. Unfortunately, an early-season injury crisis significantly hampers the manager’s selection plans.

Sunderland will be without Luke O’Nien and Aji Alese (both shoulder), Leo Hjelde (Achilles), and Dennis Cirkin (wrist). Furthermore, a thigh injury has sidelined winger Romaine Mundle for two months, making him the most significant absentee.

Consequently, Le Bris faces a considerable challenge. He must integrate as many as seven new players while trying to retain the cohesion and resolve that defined last season’s promotion-winning campaign.

Sunderland predicted lineup

Sunderland predicted XI: Roefs; Hume, Seelt, Ballard, Mandava; Sadiki, Xhaka, Diarra; Talbi, Mayenda, Adingra.

When is Sunderland vs West Ham United?

Sunderland host West Ham United at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, 16th August 2025. Kick-off is 3pm BST.

How to watch Sunderland vs West Ham United?

No live UK broadcast due to the 3pm blackout, but highlights air on BBC’s Match of the Day at 10:20pm BST. Audio options or replays may appear on club platforms.

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

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