The Matchday 1 clash in the Premier League between Sunderland and West Ham will take place on August 16 at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland vs. West Ham: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Sunderland
A year ago, the club was taken over by Regis Le Bris, who had previously worked with only one serious team, Lorient. The French specialist immediately led Sunderland to the Premier League, where the club had been absent since 2017. The team finished 4th in the Championship, securing a playoff spot early. As a result, they ended the season with a series of five defeats. However, Sunderland overcame Coventry and Sheffield United in the knockout matches. In preparation for the new championship, the club played eight friendly matches, winning only twice (1 draw and 5 defeats).
This summer, the club sold two midfielders, Jobe Bellingham and Tom Watson. Meanwhile, they acquired midfielders Granit Xhaka, Habib Diarra, Enzo Le Fee, and Noah Sadiki, forwards Chemsdine Talbi and Simon Adingra, and goalkeeper Robin Rufs. Defenders Arthur Masuaku and Reinildo Mandava, as well as forward Mark Guiu, joined on loan and as free agents.
- At least one team failed to score in 9 of Sunderland's last 12 Championship games.
- No more than 3 goals were scored in the team's last 18 matches in England's second-tier division.
- The club is on a four-match losing streak at home in the Championship.
Predicted lineup for Sunderland (4-4-2)
Anthony Patterson – Trai Hume, Daniel Ballard, Reinildo Mandava, Arthur Masuaku – Dan Neil, Chris Rigg, Simon Adingra, Alan Browne – Eliezer Mayenda, Wilson Isidor.
Due to injuries, defenders Aji Alese, Leo Hjelde, Luke O'Nien, and Dennis Cirkin, as well as midfielder Romain Mandl, are not ready to play.
West Ham
The team finished last season in 14th place. Over the past three seasons, the club has finished in this position twice. Even a managerial change in winter didn't help the Londoners reach the top half of the table, and in their last 11 Premier League matches, the team secured only 2 wins (4 draws and 5 defeats). During the offseason, West Ham played five friendly matches, losing only once in 90 minutes (3 wins and 1 draw).
This summer, the club parted ways with forwards Danny Ings and Mohammed Kudus, as well as defenders Vladimir Coufal and Kurt Zouma. However, they strengthened with goalkeeper Mads Hermansen, defender Jean-Clair Todibo, and midfielder Malik Diouf. Free agents Callum Wilson and Kyle Walker-Peters also joined as a forward and defender, respectively.
- A maximum of 3 goals were scored in 14 of West Ham's last 17 league games.
- Both teams scored in 7 of West Ham's last 8 Premier League matches.
- The club has scored in 13 of their last 14 away Premier League games.
Predicted lineup for West Ham (4-3-3)
Alphonse Areola – Max Kilman, Jean-Clair Todibo, Kyle Walker-Peters, Aaron Wan-Bissaka – James Ward-Prowse, Tomas Soucek, Guido Rodriguez – Lucas Paqueta, Jarrod Bowen, Niclas Fullkrug.
Forward Crysencio Summerville will miss the match due to injury.
Referee
Robert Jones (England)
Matches – 22 (Premier League, 2024/25);
Yellow cards shown (including second yellows) – 95;
Average yellow cards per match – 4.3;
Red cards shown – 4;
Average fouls per match – 25;
Penalties – 23%.
Prediction for Sunderland vs. West Ham
The Premier League newcomer will need a few matches to adjust to England's top division. After all, the Premier League level is noticeably higher than the Championship. Sunderland made significant summer signings, but the new players will need time to gel. Therefore, betting on the home team's victory in the first round is risky.
I believe this match will end in a draw. While West Ham is a stable Premier League participant, they haven't been progressing in recent years and are more focused on maintaining their league status. Additionally, the Londoners haven't impressed on the road in the Premier League, winning only 5 of their last 18 away matches. Therefore, I suggest predicting a draw for the upcoming game.
