The 2025/26 Premier League campaign gets underway this weekend and newly promoted Sunderland take on West Ham United at the Stadium of Light on Wearside.
Sunderland have spent heavily since the Black Cats gained promotion back to the top-flight via the play-offs last season, while West Ham endured a miserable end to the campaign, meaning the pressure will immediately be on Graham Potter if the Irons start slowly.
Sunderland have a massive chance to lay down a marker here in what could already be described as an early season six-pointer, and The Sporting News has you covered with all of the latest predictions, tips and odds.
MORE: Premier League 2025/26 predictions and latest betting
Sunderland vs. West Ham prediction
West Ham have struggled to make the additions they would have liked over the summer and with the hostile atmosphere that is to be expected in the north east, siding with Sunderland seems a good value bet here.
Sunderland would see it as springing an early season surprise to win and Sky Bet have them priced up at 11/5, whilst the draw is 12/5, with the Hammers favourites at 6/5.
The Sporting News' Score Prediction: Sunderland 1-0 West Ham
- Sunderland are rated as a 45.5% implied chance to beat West Ham at the Stadium of Light by Sky Bet.
- Learn more about reading odds, different types of bets and the best online betting sites through our how to bet on football guide
Sunderland vs. West Ham expected lineups
Here's how we think these two sides will line up for the Premier League opener.
- 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
- 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 latest odds, correct score betting
Our 1-0 prediction is at very good odds with Betfair, but there are plenty of other possible score lines that are worth looking at for this one. Here's a look at some of the most likely outcomes according to the bookmakers.
Result | Odds* |
Draw 1-1 | |
West Ham 1-0 | |
West Ham 2-1 | |
West Ham 2-0 | |
Sunderland 1-0 |
*Click odds to bet direct with our selected partners. Odds correct at time of publish.
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Sunderland vs. West Ham team news
- Granit Xhaka has been named Sunderland captain and he will be expected to make his Black Cats competitive debut.
- Sunderland are dealing with a few injury issues in defence, such as long-term centre-back Luke O’Nien as well as Aji Alese and Dennis Cirkin.
- Graham Potter is expected to maintain his three-at-the-back system for this one, with new signing El Hadji Malick Diouf expected to play a starring role.
- West Ham have one injury issue remaining as Crysencio Summerville remains sidelined for the Irons ahead of their long trip to the north.
Sunderland vs. West Ham Bet Builder tips
Our bet builder for this one is for Under 2.5 goals in the game which comes in at 5/6 with Sky Bet and Granit Xhaka to be booked for Sunderland (11/4), which comes in at a total of 29.26/1 with Sky Bet.
You can check out the latest odds and bet direct with our selected partners using the bet builder tool below.
How to watch Sunderland vs. West Ham: Live stream, TV channel
- Date: Saturday, August 16
- Venue: Stadium of Light, Sunderland, England
- Time: 3:00 p.m. BST
- TV/Stream: Cannot be watched live in the UK