Sunderland’s long-awaited Premier League return brings both optimism and upheaval to Wearside as they prepare to host West Ham on Saturday.
Regis Le Bris has radically reshaped his squad, bringing in 11 new faces. So, no doubt, the majority believe that the front office is determined to reset the club’s identity ahead of what the boss called a ‘new chapter’.
Pre-season results, two wins in nine, have been uneven, culminating in a heavy defeat to Rayo Vallecano, but the Frenchman insists his side is mentally prepared for the step up. Sunderland’s opening-day record offers little comfort, with no wins in their last seven Premier League starts.
Moving on to the away camp, West Ham arrive for their first full campaign under Graham Potter, who steadied the club last season. The summer has seen high-profile departures in Mohammed Kudus, Vladimir Coufal, Aaron Cresswell, and Michail Antonio, offset by reinforcements including Kyle Walker-Peters and Callum Wilson.
A promising pre-season, capped by a penalty shootout win over Lille, suggests Potter’s work is beginning to take shape. Yet the Hammers’ history on opening day is grim, a league-high 16 defeats and 50 goals conceded. It’s a trend they will be keen to buck.
Form and history lean in West Ham’s favour: they are unbeaten in eight league meetings with Sunderland, winning half of them. For the hosts, Saturday offers a chance to puncture that record and set a defiant tone for the campaign.
The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch the match, kickoff times, and the latest lineup news.
Sunderland vs. West Ham live stream, TV channel
Here’s how to watch this Premier League match in the U.S.:
TV channel: N/A
Live stream: Peacock
This game is not available for live TV broadcast. Streaming options are available on Peacock.
What time does Sunderland vs. West Ham kick off?
This Premier League clash takes place at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland, England, and kicks off on Saturday, August 16 at 3 p.m. local time.
Here’s how that time translates across the U.S.:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| Eastern Time | Sat, Aug. 16 | 10:00 a.m. |
| Central Time | Sat, Aug. 16 | 9:00 a.m. |
| Mountain Time | Sat, Aug. 16 | 8:00 a.m. |
| Pacific Time | Sat, Aug. 16 | 7:00 a.m. |
Sunderland vs. West Ham lineups: Predicted starting XI, team news, injuries
Sunderland have a host of injury issues carrying over from last season, with Aji Alese, Luke O’Nien, Leo Hjelde, Romain Mundle, and Dennis Cirkin all still out.
With Jobe Bellingham moving on to Borussia Dortmund, Xhaka will fill that midfield spot, alongside expected Premier League debuts for Enzo Le Fee and Habib Diarra.
Sunderland predicted XI (4-4-2, right to left): Roefs (GK) — Hume, Ballard, Alderete, Masuaku — Talbi, Diarra, Xhaka, Adingra — Le Fee, Isidor.
Injured: Alese (shoulder), O’Nein (shoulder), Hjelde (Achilles), Mundl (thigh), Cirkin (wrist).
Suspended: None
Potter has confirmed Crysencio Summerville is the only absentee from his travelling Hammers squad for the trip to the North East.
Callum Wilson, who joined on a free transfer following his release from Newcastle United, could start, alongside captain Jarrod Bowen.
West Ham predicted 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
Premier League fixture schedule this week
All times ET
Friday, August 15
- Liverpool vs. AFC Bournemouth (3:00 p.m.)
Saturday, August 16
- Aston Villa vs. Newcastle United (7:30 a.m.)
- Brighton & Hove Albion vs. Fulham (10:00 a.m.)
- Sunderland vs. West Ham United (10:00 a.m.)
- Tottenham Hotspur vs. Burnley (10:00 a.m.)
- Wolverhampton Wanderers vs. Manchester City (12:30 p.m.)
Sunday, August 17
- Chelsea vs. Crystal Palace (9:00 a.m.)
- Nottingham Forest vs. Brentford (9:00 a.m.)
- Manchester United vs. Arsenal (11:30 a.m.)
Monday, August 18
- Leeds United vs. Everton (3:00 p.m.)
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