Le Bris To Stick With Winning Combination? | Predicted 4-2-3-1 Sunderland Lineup To Face West Ham United | OneFootball

After four draws and a defeat, Sunderland were finally back to winning ways in the league, as they scripted a comeback against Crystal Palace at the Stadium of Light. The Black Cats will now travel to East London to clash heads with the struggling West Ham United on Saturday lunchtime.

The Hammers are battling for survival, as they are five points adrift of the safe zone. Although they were on a losing streak under Nuno Espirito Santo, Callum Wilson’s injury-time winner against Tottenham Hotspur should boost their spirit ahead of hosting the Black Cats at London Stadium. The Wearsiders grabbed a commanding 3-0 victory in the reverse tie, and the Hammers would seek revenge this weekend en route to retaining their top-flight status.

Predicted 4-2-3-1 Sunderland Lineup To Face West Ham United

Defence

Robin Roefs has been majestic between the sticks upon joining them from NEC Nijmegen in the summer window. The Dutchman has not grabbed a clean sheet since their stalemate against Manchester City, and it remains to be seen whether he claims one on Saturday.

SUNDERLAND, ENGLAND – AUGUST 16: Wilson Isidor of Sunderland celebrates after scoring the third goal during the Premier League match between Sunderland and West Ham United at Stadium of Light on August 16, 2025 in Sunderland, England. (Photo by Stu Forster/Getty Images)

Despite deploying three new signings in the backline, Regis Le Bris has brought stability, banking on the balance and composure of their fullback pair Nordi Mukiele and Reinildo between defence and attack. Omar Alderete has been a revelation, and so has Daniel Ballard, who has stepped up his game to attune to the grind and demands of Premier League football.

Midfield

Granit Xhaka is still going strong at 33, as the veteran Swiss midfielder is pulling the strings from deep, showcasing his experience, vision, and technical ability. Noah Sadiki has shown enough maturity alongside Xhaka, as the combination of youth and experience has strengthened Sunderland in the centre of the pitch.

Le Bris is blessed with strong alternatives, as Chris Rigg, Daniel Neil and Mouhamadou Habib Diarra could be introduced as second-half substitutes.

Versatile Enzo Le Fee must keep his place as a ‘number 10’, and the gaffer could once again rely on Romaine Mundle down the left. Bertrand Traore has returned from the AFCON with an injury, but Chemsdine Talbi, who suffered a heartbreak in the final against Senegal, is available for selection. Trai Hume impressed against Palace as a right-sided attacker and, therefore, deserves another start, with Talbi likely to be involved from the bench.

Attack

Wilson Isidor and Eliezer Mayenda were the preferred options high up the pitch early into the campaign. But the pace, power, and poaching traits of Brian Brobbey have pushed the pair down the pecking order. The Dutch ‘number 9’ is expected to spearhead the attack. However, both Isidor and Mayenda should be brought in if more firepower is required up top.