Sunderland lineup announced

Sunderland unveils a largely refreshed starting XI ahead of their league return.

Sunderland names new starting XI for Premier League return against West Ham

Robin Roefs will start in goal as Sunderland kick off a new era in the Premier League. The defense is built around Trai Hume and Dan Ballard with Reinildo at left back, while Omar Alderete could slot into central defense depending on fitness and form. Jenson Seelt has impressed in pre-season but a move away on loan makes Alderete a realistic starter if he is ready.

In midfield, captain Granit Xhaka sits deepest with Habib Diarra and Noah Sidiki ahead, a setup aimed at balancing solidity with creativity. Enzo Le Fee remains in contention but may not be guaranteed a place as the team adjusts to new arrivals. In attack, Simon Adingra is likely to operate on the left, Eliezer Mayenda through the middle and Chemsdine Talbi on the right, with Mayenda building on positive build-up play and seeking goals to back up the talents arriving before the month ends.

The lineup signals a deliberate rebuild of the spine, mixing a seasoned backbone with promising young players. Roefs’ debut will be watched closely to see if Sunderland can trust a new voice between the posts. Alderete’s potential elevation adds experience and street-smart defending, but it also raises questions about pairing with Ballard early in the season. The midfield pairing of Xhaka with rising talents Diarra and Sidiki suggests a shift toward more ball progression from deep, even as Le Fee fights to rejoin the core in time.

This plan hinges on quick cohesion at the back and immediate chemistry in attack. Sunderland are betting on pace and directness to trouble teams early, while giving the defense room to grow. The real test will be whether the new arrivals gel under pressure and how the manager manages minutes for players still integrating into the system.

Highlights

The opening test will reveal if this bold plan translates into immediate results.