Sunderland Match Preview

The last time West Ham United won an opening day fixture was back in the 2021/22 campaign as they came from behind twice to win 4-2 away at Newcastle United. They will be hoping to start the new campaign in similar fashion when they travel to The Stadium of Light to face last season’s play-off winners Sunderland this afternoon.

The start of the last term was meant to be a new dawn for the Hammers under Julen Lopetegui but it didn’t go exactly how the hierarchy had hoped, meaning it was all change again in January with the appointment of Graham Potter and he is certainly hoping to start his first full season at the helm with maximum points on Wearside.

Black Cats’ Head-Coach Régis Le Bris has brought in eleven new signings so far this summer however, West Ham will hope to overcome a hostile atmosphere and continue their impressive record against Premier League newcomers. They often come unstuck against sides that are new to the division at least once but they will hope that this is not the case on this occasion.

The visitors won four of their five pre-season matches so they should be full of confidence going into this encounter.

In complete contrast to a year ago, the Irons have taken their time in acquiring players this summer and have made four major signings so far. All will hope to feature in this fixture.

One familiar face to the visitors is that of defender Arthur Masuaku and he could make his debut for the hosts here after joining in this transfer window.

The match is a 3pm kick-off and the referee is Robert Jones.