West Ham United and Sunderland meet at the London Stadium on Saturday as both sides aim to carry newfound momentum into a pivotal second half of the Premier League season.
The Hammers finally breathed life into their campaign last weekend. They snapped a dismal 10-game winless streak with a dramatic 2–1 victory away at Tottenham Hotspur. However, Nuno Espírito Santo’s men remain five points adrift of safety in 18th place.
They must now confront a Sunderland side that has been the league’s surprise package. The Black Cats sit ninth and only three points off the Champions League places. They arrive in East London after their own hard-fought 2–1 win over Crystal Palace.
West Ham United vs Sunderland – Match Preview and Team News
- Date: Saturday, 24 January 2026
- Kick-off: 12:30 GMT
- Venue: London Stadium, London
- Referee: Thomas Bramall
- VAR: Tim Wood
- Last Meeting: Sunderland 3–0 West Ham (16 Aug 2025), Premier League
Team News
West Ham United
Nuno Espírito Santo is dealing with several key absences for this crucial home fixture. Lucas Paquetá is confirmed to miss out due to injury and ongoing transfer speculation. Meanwhile, Lukasz Fabianski remains sidelined with a back problem. In positive news, El Hadji Malick Diouf has returned following his AFCON triumph with Senegal. Crysencio Summerville is expected to start as he chases a third consecutive goal.
Sunderland
The Black Cats receive a massive boost as Habib Diarra and Chemsdine Talbi return from AFCON duty. Diarra returns a champion after Senegal’s victory over Morocco in the final. However, Bertrand Traoré and former West Ham defender Arthur Masuaku are both ruled out. Granit Xhaka will continue to anchor the midfield for the visitors. He leads the league in line-breaking passes leading to goals.
Form
West Ham United
The Hammers finally ended a long winless run last week. They are now aiming for three straight wins in all competitions. Notably, West Ham have lost just one of their last 12 home games against Sunderland. However, defensive fragility remains a major concern for the East London side. The team has failed to keep a clean sheet in any match under Nuno Espírito Santo.
Sunderland
Régis Le Bris’s side has become renowned for their resilience this season. They have won 16 points from losing positions so far. This is the highest tally by any promoted side in over a decade. Despite their high league position, Sunderland have struggled on the road recently. They are winless in their last six away matches.
Predicted Lineups
West Ham United Predicted XI: Areola; Wan-Bissaka, Mavropanos, Todibo, Scarles; Soucek, Fernandes; Bowen, Pablo, Summerville; Castellanos
Sunderland Predicted XI: Roefs; Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Mandava; Xhaka, Sadiki; Hume, Le Fee, Adingra; Brobbey
How to watch West Ham vs Sunderland?
The match will be broadcast live in the UK on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports Ultimate. Coverage begins at 11:30 GMT.
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