Match Facts: Sunderland vs. West Ham United

Date: Saturday, August 16, 2025
Time: 10:00 a.m. ET
Venue: Stadium of Light, Sunderland
Broadcast: TBD, Peacock (US)

Sunderland and West Ham United face off at the Stadium of Light on August 16, 2025, in a Premier League Matchweek 1 clash that marks the Black Cats’ return to the top flight after promotion from the Championship in 2024–25. Under manager Régis Le Bris, Sunderland blend youthful energy with experienced signings, aiming to establish themselves in the Premier League with players like Jobe Bellingham leading the charge. West Ham, managed by Julen Lopetegui, are looking to build on a solid 2024–25 campaign, with Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus driving their attack. This matchup pits Sunderland’s high-energy, pressing style against West Ham’s technical flair and physicality, with the 49,000-strong crowd at the Stadium of Light creating a raucous atmosphere. Both teams, eager to set a positive tone for the 2025–26 season, will battle for early points in this intriguing encounter.

Insights

• Sunderland’s 2024–25 Championship promotion saw them dominate at home, with a 15–4–4 record and 2.0 goals per game at the Stadium of Light, fueled by passionate fans.
• West Ham won 6 away games in 2024–25, averaging 1.4 goals per game, but struggled against newly promoted sides, drawing three of five such matches.
• Sunderland’s 4-2-3-1 under Le Bris emphasizes high pressing and quick transitions, while West Ham’s 4-2-3-1 relies on wing play and midfield solidity.
• Jobe Bellingham (10 goals in 2024–25 Championship) versus West Ham’s Kurt Zouma (2.3 tackles per game) will be key, with Bellingham’s movement testing Zouma’s positioning.
• West Ham lead the series 25–12–10 since 1993, but Sunderland’s 2–1 home win in their last Premier League meeting (2016–17) adds confidence.
• Sunderland aim to avoid relegation, while West Ham target a top-10 finish, with early points critical for their respective goals.
• Sunderland’s Jack Clarke is fit after a minor injury, while West Ham’s Lucas Paquetá is questionable with a calf strain, potentially impacting their creativity.
• The Stadium of Light’s Roker End creates a hostile environment, matched by West Ham’s vocal traveling supporters, setting up a lively atmosphere.

Match Forecasts

• Jobe Bellingham is likely to score or assist, using his pace and finishing to exploit West Ham’s high line, as seen in his 2024–25 Championship form.
• Jarrod Bowen (16 goals in 2024–25) could capitalize on Sunderland’s aggressive pressing, finding space on the counter with Kudus’s support.
• Sunderland’s Dan Neil (86% passing accuracy) must outmaneuver West Ham’s Edson Álvarez and James Ward-Prowse, who averaged 2.2 tackles per game.
• Both teams scored from 13% of corners in 2024–25, with Sunderland’s Luke O’Nien and West Ham’s Zouma posing aerial threats.
• Sunderland’s Eliezer Mayenda could provide a late spark off the bench, while West Ham’s Crysencio Summerville offers pace in the final 20 minutes.
• Sunderland’s backline, untested in the Premier League, may struggle against West Ham’s quick transitions led by Kudus.
• Three of the last five Sunderland-West Ham matches featured goals after the 80th minute, suggesting potential late drama.

Match Facts

• West Ham lead the series 25–12–10 since 1993, with 60 goals scored in those matches (1.3 goals per game average).
• Stadium of Light, with a 49,000 capacity, is expected to sell out, with Sunderland’s supporters creating a daunting atmosphere.
• The referee is TBD, but 2025–26’s semi-automated offside technology ensures quicker and clearer decisions.
• Streamed on Peacock (US) with English and Spanish commentary; local radio includes BBC Radio Sunderland and BBC London.
• Sunderland on August 16, 2025, expects 64°F with a 15% chance of rain, offering ideal conditions for a fast-paced match.
• A Sunderland win would mark their first Premier League victory since 2017; West Ham aim for their 75th road point since 2020.
• Jobe Bellingham is three goals shy of 15 for Sunderland; Jarrod Bowen could reach 50 Premier League goals with a strike.