Sunderland v West Ham preview

Sunderland and West Ham clash at the Stadium of Light as both sides weigh up early-season selections after strengthening over the summer.

Sunderland v West Ham Predicted Starting Lineups for Premier League Match

Sunderland have been busy in the transfer window, bringing in several new faces as Regis Le Bris shapes his squad after promotion through the playoff. Key additions include Habib Diarra, Simon Adingra, Chemsdine Talbi, Noah Sadiki, Marc Guiu, Robin Roefs, Omar Alderete, Reinildo, Arthur Masuaku and captain Granit Xhaka. Guiu is unlikely to be involved this weekend because of fitness, while Alderete and Masuaku are late-call options after arriving this week. Several players remain sidelined by injury as Le Bris weighs his best starting XI.

West Ham arrive with a mix of fresh signings and near full fitness. El Hadji Malick Diouf, Kyle Walker-Peters, Callum Wilson and Mads Hermansen have joined the squad, while Crysencio Summerville and George Earthy remain sidelined through injury. Potter has not ruled out changes but hinted at a back-five setup and the possibility of debutants Hermansen and Diouf, depending on readiness. Full availability beyond the listed injuries helps him consider a stable spine for the opening game.

The opening weekend always tests depth, and both clubs show how they value balance between ready talent and integration time. Sunderland’s arrivals promise attacking intent at home, but the late arrivals and current fitness questions could push Le Bris to rotate early rather than risk a stumble. West Ham’s near-full squad gives Potter flexibility, yet the absence of Summerville strains the pace on the wings and could push new signings into active roles sooner than expected. The decision to deploy a back five signals a cautious approach that could shape the tempo of the game and expose early-season nerves around new defensive partners.

Overall, the match will set a tone for how both teams manage a crowded schedule and a learning curve for players new to their systems. Early performances this weekend will be read as a signal: do these summer gains translate quickly, or does cohesion lag behind individual quality? The answer will influence how managers pace expectations in the first few weeks of the season.

Highlights

The opening fixture will reveal how the summer reshapes both sides long before the autumn fixtures settle in.