West Ham United vs Sunderland Prediction: West Ham United and Sunderland will likely draw 1-1 as the Hammers’ 19-game streak without a clean sheet meets Sunderland’s poor away form with just four goals scored in 11 road matches this season.
Match Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Competition | Premier League 2025/2026 |
| Matchweek | 23 |
| Date | Saturday, January 24, 2026 |
| Kick-off Time | 6:00 PM Local Time |
| Venue | London Stadium |
| Referee | To be confirmed |
Key Facts
- West Ham United ended their 10-game Premier League winless streak with a dramatic 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur on January 17, 2026.
- Sunderland defeated Crystal Palace 2-1 at home in their last league match, securing their first Premier League win of 2026.
- The Black Cats won the reverse fixture 3-0 at the Stadium of Light on August 16, 2025, during the opening weekend of the season.
- West Ham currently sits 18th in the Premier League table with 17 points from 22 matches, five points below the safety line.
- Sunderland occupies 9th position with 33 points from 22 games, just three points behind fourth-placed Liverpool.
- The Hammers have conceded in 19 consecutive Premier League matches, with 17 of those coming under manager Santo.
- Sunderland has failed to win any of their last six Premier League away matches and has not scored in seven of their 11 away fixtures this season.
- Both teams have won their last two matches across all competitions, including FA Cup victories.
On This Page
West Ham United vs Sunderland Preview and Prediction
West Ham United approaches this fixture with renewed confidence after breaking their lengthy winless run.
Callum Wilson‘s stoppage-time winner against Tottenham provided a crucial lifeline in their survival battle.
The victory, combined with their FA Cup success over Queens Park Rangers, means the Hammers could achieve three consecutive wins across all competitions for the first time this season.
Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris has guided his team to an impressive first season back in the top flight.
The Black Cats’ resilience shows in their nine draws, demonstrating their ability to compete against stronger opposition.
Enzo Le Fee and Brian Brobbey scored in their comeback victory over Crystal Palace, maintaining their push for European qualification.
The historical context adds intrigue to this encounter.
Sunderland could complete their first Premier League double over West Ham since the 2010-11 season, which ended with the Hammers suffering relegation.
That memory will motivate the home side to avoid a repeat scenario.
Predicted West Ham United vs Sunderland Lineups
West Ham United Predicted Starting XI
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Goalkeeper: Areola
Defenders: Wan-Bissaka (Right-back), Todibo (Center-back), Mavropanos (Center-back), Scarles (Left-back)
Midfielders: Soucek (Defensive midfielder), Fernandes (Defensive midfielder), Bowen (Right winger), Pablo (Attacking midfielder), Summerville (Left winger)
Forward: Castellanos (Striker)
Sunderland Predicted Starting XI
Formation: 4-2-3-1
Goalkeeper: Roefs
Defenders: Mukiele (Right-back), Ballard (Center-back), Alderete (Center-back), Reinildo (Left-back)
Midfielders: Sadiki (Defensive midfielder), Xhaka (Defensive midfielder), Hume (Right winger), Le Fee (Attacking midfielder), Adingra (Left winger)
Forward: Brobbey (Striker)
Note: These are predicted lineups based on recent team selections and injury reports. Official lineups will be confirmed approximately one hour before kickoff at 6:00 PM on Saturday, January 24, 2026.
Tactical Analysis and Formations
West Ham United Expected Formation: 4-2-3-1
The Hammers typically deploy a back four with Wan-Bissaka and Scarles as full-backs, protected by the central defensive partnership of Todibo and Mavropanos.
The midfield pivot features Fernandes and Soucek, providing defensive stability and distribution.
Bowen and Summerville operate as wide attackers, with Pablo supporting the lone striker Castellanos.
Santo’s system prioritizes width and quick transitions. Summerville’s deflected goal against Tottenham demonstrated how the team exploits spaces behind opposition defenses.
However, their defensive fragility remains a significant concern, with 44 goals conceded in 22 matches representing the second-worst record in the division.
Sunderland Expected Formation: 4-2-3-1
Le Bris favors a similar structure with Mukiele and Reinildo as full-backs, flanking the central defensive pairing of Ballard and Alderete.
Sadiki partners Xhaka in central midfield, offering both defensive cover and progressive passing.
Hume and Adingra provide width, with Le Fee operating as the attacking midfielder behind striker Brobbey.
Sunderland’s approach emphasizes defensive organization and counter-attacking opportunities.
Their zero goal difference reflects their balanced style, though their away struggles suggest they find it challenging to impose themselves on opposition territory.
Team News and Injury Updates
West Ham United Injuries
- Lukas Fabianski (back injury) – unavailable
- Lucas Paqueta (back injury) – doubtful, potential return
El Hadji Malick Diouf returns from Africa Cup of Nations duty with Senegal after winning the tournament.
His availability strengthens Santo’s options in the final third.
Paqueta’s potential return would boost creativity, though his desire to leave the club creates uncertainty around his selection.
New signing Keiber Lamadrid, the 22-year-old winger from Deportivo La Guaira, will not feature as he requires time to adapt to competitive action.
Sunderland Injuries
- Romaine Mundle (fatigue) – doubtful
- Bertrand Traore (knee) – ruled out
- Arthur Masuaku (ankle) – ruled out
Chemsdine Talbi and Habib Diarra are expected to return from AFCON duty.
Mundle’s availability remains uncertain after he was substituted against Crystal Palace due to fatigue rather than a specific injury.
Le Bris may promote Talbi or Simon Adingra to the starting lineup if Mundle cannot recover in time.
Key Injuries That Could Shift the Game
Lucas Paqueta’s absence significantly impacts West Ham’s creative output. The Brazilian playmaker provides the vision and technical quality that unlocks defensive blocks.
Without him, the Hammers rely heavily on Bowen’s individual brilliance and Summerville’s directness.
For Sunderland, Bertrand Traore’s knee injury removes an experienced attacking option.
His absence forces Le Bris to depend on younger players in wide positions. Romaine Mundle’s fitness concerns could disrupt the team’s attacking balance, as his pace and dribbling ability stretch opposition defenses.
Key Players to Watch
Callum Wilson (West Ham)
The veteran striker’s late winner against Tottenham demonstrated his predatory instincts.
Wilson’s movement in the penalty area and finishing ability make him dangerous despite limited service.
His experience in relegation battles could prove invaluable during the run-in.
Crysencio Summerville (West Ham)
The Dutch winger has shown flashes of quality since his summer arrival.
His willingness to run at defenders and shoot from distance adds unpredictability to West Ham’s attack.
Summerville’s deflected goal against Spurs highlighted his threat.
Brian Brobbey (Sunderland)
The striker scored against Crystal Palace and brings physical presence to Sunderland’s attack.
Brobbey’s hold-up play allows teammates to advance into dangerous positions. His aerial ability poses problems for West Ham’s defense at set-pieces.
Enzo Le Fee (Sunderland)
The midfielder’s goal against Palace showcased his technical quality. Le Fee’s passing range and ability to arrive late in the box make him a dual threat.
His partnership with Xhaka provides Sunderland with control in midfield battles.
Head-to-Head Analysis
The recent history favors Sunderland. Their 3-0 victory in August 2025 marked a dominant performance that exposed West Ham’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Before that meeting, the teams last faced each other in April 2017, when they drew 2-2 at the Stadium of Light.
Historical data shows West Ham won 1-0 at home in October 2016, while Sunderland secured a 1-0 victory at the London Stadium in February 2016. The pattern suggests tight contests with minimal goal margins.
Sunderland’s current away struggles contrast sharply with their opening-day performance.
The Black Cats have scored just four goals in 11 away matches this season, averaging 0.36 goals per game on the road. This statistic suggests they may adopt a cautious approach at the London Stadium.
Where to Watch Live?
India: Star Sports Select HD1, JioHotstar, Star Sports Select 1
United Kingdom: TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports Ultimate, discovery+, TalkSport Radio UK
United States: USA Network, Telemundo Deportes En Vivo, UNIVERSO, SiriusXM FC
Canada: DAZN Canada, fuboTV Canada, Fubo Sports Network Canada
Fans worldwide can access the match through official broadcasters listed for their respective regions. Streaming options require valid subscriptions or authentication with television providers.
Current Premier League Standings
West Ham United: 18th place – 22 matches played, 4 wins, 5 draws, 13 losses, 24 goals scored, 44 goals conceded, -20 goal difference, 17 points
Sunderland: 9th place – 22 matches played, 8 wins, 9 draws, 5 losses, 23 goals scored, 23 goals conceded, 0 goal difference, 33 points
The 16-point gap between the two sides highlights the contrasting seasons both clubs have experienced. West Ham battles relegation concerns while Sunderland maintains European qualification hopes.
West Ham United vs Sunderland Prediction
West Ham’s recent momentum collides with Sunderland’s away difficulties. The Hammers’ defensive record suggests they will concede, but their attacking improvements under Santo provide hope for goals.
Sunderland’s defensive organization should keep them competitive, though their scoring struggles on the road limit their winning potential.
The tactical battle between two similar formations could produce a cagey affair. West Ham’s desperation for points contrasts with Sunderland’s comfort in mid-table, potentially creating an imbalanced contest in terms of urgency.
A draw appears the most likely outcome. West Ham’s inability to keep clean sheets meets Sunderland’s inability to score away from home, suggesting a low-scoring stalemate.
Predicted scoreline: West Ham United 1-1 Sunderland
This result would frustrate West Ham’s survival hopes while maintaining Sunderland’s unbeaten record in their last four Premier League matches.
Both managers would likely accept a point given their respective circumstances and recent form patterns.
Read all Football Predictions.
FAQs
Where To Watch West Ham United vs Sunderland Live?
Fans can watch West Ham United vs Sunderland live on TNT Sports 1 and discovery+ in the UK, on Star Sports Select HD1 and JioHotstar in India, and on USA Network and UNIVERSO in the United States with valid subscriptions starting at 6:00 PM on January 24, 2026.
Who Will Win West Ham United vs Sunderland Match?
Neither team will likely win as a 1-1 draw appears most probable because West Ham has conceded in 19 consecutive Premier League matches while Sunderland has failed to score in seven of their 11 away fixtures this season, creating conditions for a low-scoring stalemate.
What is West Ham United vs Sunderland Match Kick-Off Time?
West Ham United vs Sunderland kicks off at 6:00 PM local time on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at the London Stadium during matchweek 23 of the 2025/2026 Premier League season.
Are There Any Injuries in West Ham United vs Sunderland Match?
West Ham misses goalkeeper Lukas Fabianski with a back injury while Lucas Paqueta remains doubtful, and Sunderland will be without Bertrand Traore (knee) and Arthur Masuaku (ankle) with Romaine Mundle facing a late fitness test due to fatigue from the Crystal Palace match.
What Is The Correct Score Prediction For West Ham United vs Sunderland Match?
The predicted scoreline is West Ham United 1-1 Sunderland as the Hammers’ defensive fragility with 44 goals conceded in 22 matches balances against Sunderland’s attacking struggles on the road where they average just 0.36 goals per away game this season.
Sunderland Standing with Points?
Sunderland sits in 9th place with 33 points from 22 Premier League matches after recording 8 wins, 9 draws, and 5 losses with a balanced goal difference of zero (23 goals scored, 23 conceded), positioning them three points behind fourth-placed Liverpool in the European qualification race.
West Ham United Standing With Points?
West Ham United occupies 18th place with 17 points from 22 Premier League matches after managing only 4 wins, 5 draws, and 13 losses with 24 goals scored and 44 conceded for a -20 goal difference, leaving them five points below the safety line in the relegation zone.