Sunderland will play their first Premier League match in eight years this weekend when they welcome West Ham to the Stadium of Light.
The Black Cats have endured a turbulent journey back to the top flight since their relegation in 2017, but they are now back where they feel they belong.
West Ham, meanwhile, will be desperate for a quick start to the season after a disappointing campaign last time out.
As part of our first round of Premier League betting tips this season, here is our Sunderland vs Fulham prediction.
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Sunderland vs West Ham prediction: A miserable start for the new boys
Key Stats
- Sunderland have lost five of their last six pre-season friendlies in preparation for this match.
- Prior to the playoffs, Sunderland had lost five consecutive league matches.
- Fewer than three goals have been scored in Sunderland's last two matches.
Correct score prediction: Sunderland 0-2 West Ham
Graham Potter looked like he was starting to get a tune out of his West Ham side at the end of the season and they have shown flashes in pre-season to suggest they may improve this season. Sunderland, on the other hand, have had an awful summer and will be nervous on Saturday.
Pre-game odds and win probability: A close one to call
- HOME: 21/10 (3.10) – 32.3%
- DRAW: 12/5 (3.40) – 29.4%
- AWAY: 5/4 (2.25) – 44.4%
*odds from Ladbrokes, subject to change
The Sunderland vs West Ham odds are interesting in that West Ham haven't been priced below evens. Ladbrokes have made the Hammers slight favourites, but have only given them a 44.4% chance of winning the match. Sunderland, meanwhile, have been given a 32.3% chance of victory.
You can find all our predictions for today's games on our football betting tips page.
Most recent H2Hs: A first meeting in eight years
This will be the first time since 2017 that Sunderland and West Ham have played against each other, so there isn't too much to learn from looking at the recent H2H record between the two teams. For what it's worth, though, West Ham are unbeaten in their last eight matches against Sunderland, with four wins and four draws.
England Premier League 15/04/17
Sunderland
West Ham
England Premier League 22/10/16
West Ham
Sunderland
England Premier League 27/02/16
West Ham
Sunderland
England Premier League 03/10/15
Sunderland
West Ham
England Premier League 21/03/15
West Ham
Sunderland
Sunderland preview: A new look side
The Sunderland team that will line up on Saturday will be almost unrecognisable from the team that brought the club up after a hectic summer of transfer business. As many as eight players could make their competitive debuts on Saturday, including Granit Xhaka, Marc Guiu and Simon Adingra. On the flip side, players are out injured, including Luke O'Nien.
Predicted lineup: Roefs (GK), Hume, Seelt, Balland, Reinaldo, Xhaka, Sadiki, Diarra, Talbi, Mayenda, Adingra
England Championship 13/05/25
L
Coventry
1
Sunderland
0
England Championship 09/05/25
W
Coventry
1
Sunderland
2
England Championship 03/05/25
L
QPR
1
Sunderland
0
England Championship 26/04/25
L
Oxford Utd
2
Sunderland
0
England Championship 21/04/25
L
Blackburn
1
Sunderland
0
West Ham preview: A debut for Diouf
New signing, El Hadji Malick Diouf, has impressed in pre-season for the Hammers, and there is plenty of excitement about him ahead of his competitive debut. In terms of injuries, Potter will be unable to call upon the services of Crysencio Summerville.
Predicted lineup: Areola (GK), Todibo, Kilman, Aguerd, Wan-Bissaka, Ward-Prowse, Soucek, Diouf, Bowen, Paqueta, Fullkrug
England Premier League 11/05/25
W
Man Utd
0
West Ham
2
England Premier League 04/05/25
D
Tottenham
1
West Ham
1
England Premier League 26/04/25
L
Brighton
3
West Ham
2
England Premier League 19/04/25
D
Southampton
1
West Ham
1
England Premier League 13/04/25
L
Liverpool
2
West Ham
1
Player to watch: Niclas Fullkrug
Big things were expected of Niclas Fullkrug last season when he signed for the club from Borussia Dortmund, but the experienced German failed to get going, due to a combination of fitness issues and poor form in front of goal. However, this is a fresh start for Fullkrug, and he could take full advantage.