We're excited to be back in the Premier League and are looking forward to the challenge. We've worked hard to build a strong squad, and we're confident that we can compete with the best teams in the league
The wait is finally over for Sunderland A.F.C. fans, as the Black Cats make their highly anticipated return to the Premier League, facing West Ham United in matchday one of the 2025-26 campaign. With a whopping £100 million spent on eight new first-team squad members, Sunderland is looking to make a statement in their first top-flight match since 2017. According to West Ham United’s official website, the Hammers are eager to get the new season underway and face a tough opponent in Sunderland. Manager Régis Le Bris stated, “We’re excited to get the new season underway and face a tough opponent in Sunderland. We know they’ve spent big in the transfer market, but we’re confident in our squad and are looking to make a strong start.” (Source: West Ham United’s official website)
The match is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 16th August 2025, at the Stadium of Light, with 90% of tickets sold out to Bondholders, Away Scheme Members, and Season Ticket Holders with 13+ Loyalty Points. Sunderland’s return to the Premier League is a significant moment for the club, which has been absent from the top flight for eight years. Manager Kyril Louis-Dreyfus is optimistic about their chances, saying, “We’re excited to be back in the Premier League and are looking forward to the challenge. We’ve worked hard to build a strong squad, and we’re confident that we can compete with the best teams in the league.” (Source: Sunderland A.F.C.‘s official website)
A History of Head-to-Heads
Sunderland and West Ham United have faced each other 92 times across all competitions, with West Ham United leading the overall head-to-head record with 36 wins to Sunderland’s 31. However, Sunderland has a strong record against West Ham United in recent years, with three wins in their last five meetings. According to SportsMole, the two teams have drawn 25 times, and Sunderland and West Ham United have only ever met four times in the FA Cup. The most recent meeting between the two teams took place in the Premier League in April 2017.
Sunderland A.F.C. is set to face West Ham United in the Premier League on matchday one of the 2025-26 campaign. The Black Cats are returning to the top flight after an eight-year absence, having spent over £100 million on eight new first-team squad members. West Ham United, on the other hand, is playing in the Premier League for the 14th consecutive season. The two teams have faced each other 92 times across all competitions, with West Ham United leading the overall head-to-head record. The match is scheduled to take place on Saturday, 16th August 2025, at the Stadium of Light, with 90% of tickets sold out to Bondholders, Away Scheme Members, and Season Ticket Holders with 13+ Loyalty Points.
Team News and Updates
Sunderland will be without midfielder Tomáš Souček, who is still recovering from an injury sustained in pre-season. West Ham United, on the other hand, will be looking to Jarrod Bowen to lead the line, after the striker scored 15 goals in the Premier League last season.
The Road Ahead
Sunderland’s return to the Premier League is a significant moment for the club, and their match against West Ham United on matchday one is set to be a highly competitive and entertaining affair. With both teams looking to make a strong start to the season, this match is sure to be a thrilling encounter. Will Sunderland be able to make a statement against a strong West Ham United side, or will the Hammers maintain their strong record against the Black Cats? One thing is for sure, this match is set to be a must-watch event for football fans.
