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Sunderland mark their Premier League return at the Stadium of Light against West Ham United on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 3:00 PM BST. The Sunderland vs West Ham United Betting Preview explores form, injuries, head-to-head history, tactical setups, and betting markets. After an eight-year absence from top-flight football, Sunderland will test their home fortress against experienced opposition.
Match Background – Sunderland vs West Ham United Betting Preview
Sunderland returned to the Premier League as 2024/25 Championship winners with 94 points, unbeaten at home (W18, D3, L0), and averaging 2.1 goals scored and 0.8 conceded per match at the Stadium of Light. Under Régis Le Bris, they’ve enjoyed an unbeaten pre-season (W3, D2), including a 2-0 win over FC Augsburg, a 1-1 draw with Rangers, and a 2-1 win against Heidenheim.
West Ham finished 9th in the Premier League last season with 55 points. They added Max Kilman (£40m from Wolves) — who posted an 87% tackle success rate last season — and Niclas Füllkrug (£27m from Dortmund). Their pre-season produced 4 wins, 1 draw (1-1 vs Freiburg), and 2 defeats, including a 1-2 loss to Crystal Palace. Away form in 2024/25 was inconsistent (W6, D4, L9), averaging 1.5 goals scored and 1.6 conceded.
Head-to-Head & Form Guide – Sunderland vs West Ham United Betting Preview
The last competitive meetings came in 2016/17, with both fixtures ending 2-2 — Oct 22, 2016, at the London Stadium, and Apr 15, 2017, at the Stadium of Light. A friendly on July 27, 2025, ended 0-0 at the London Stadium in a closed-door match.
Duel success last season:
- Sunderland: 60% (Championship)
- West Ham: 55% (Premier League)
Pre-season averages:
- Sunderland – Goals: 1.8 scored / 0.6 conceded
- West Ham – Goals: 2.0 scored / 0.8 conceded
Team News & Key Players – Sunderland vs West Ham United Betting Preview
Sunderland:
Jack Clarke is fit after a minor knock, while Eliezer Mayenda (ankle) remains doubtful after netting 8 goals last term. Expected 4-3-3: Anthony Patterson; Trai Hume, Dan Ballard, Aji Alese, Dennis Cirkin; Pierre Ekwah, Jobe Bellingham, Chris Rigg; Clarke, Wilson Isidor, Romaine Mundle. Clarke registered 15 goals, 7 assists, a 78% pass completion rate, and 2.5 dribbles per game in 2024/25. Ekwah provided 6 assists from set pieces.
West Ham:
Edson Alvarez is suspended, with James Ward-Prowse expected to partner Tomáš Souček in a deeper midfield role. Likely 4-2-3-1: Łukasz Fabiański; Vladimir Coufal, Kurt Zouma, Max Kilman, Emerson; Souček, Ward-Prowse; Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paquetá, Mohammed Kudus; Füllkrug. Bowen scored 16 league goals last season with a 70% cross accuracy, 3.0 shots, and 1.5 key passes per match.
Odds & Betting Markets
Please note that odds are subject to change, so check Tobibet for all official odds before placing your bets.
| Market | Bookmaker A | Bookmaker B | Bookmaker C | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home Win (1) | 3.20 | 3.30 | 3.40 | 3.20–3.40 |
| Draw (X) | 3.40 | 3.40 | 3.40 | 3.40 |
| Away Win (2) | 2.10 | 2.20 | 2.32 | 2.10–2.32 |
| Over 2.5 Goals | 1.95 | 1.95 | 2.00 | 1.95–2.00 |
| Both Teams to Score | 1.75 | 1.80 | 1.85 | 1.75–1.85 |
| First-Half Goals (Over 1.5) | 1.95 | 1.95 | 1.97 | 1.95–1.97 |
| Over 9.5 Corners | 1.78 | 1.80 | 1.82 | 1.78–1.82 |
| Over 4.5 Cards | 2.00 | 2.00 | 2.00 | 2.00 |
Tactical Preview & Betting Insight
Sunderland’s 4-3-3 looks set to press high, dominate possession (65% average at home), and create overloads via Clarke’s wing play. With 30% of their 2024/25 goals from set pieces, expect Ekwah’s deliveries to be a factor.
West Ham’s 4-2-3-1 without Alvarez will rely heavily on Ward-Prowse’s distribution and Bowen’s pace in transition. They achieved a 40% success rate in counter-attacks last season, with 55% pass accuracy in those sequences. Füllkrug’s aerial presence gives them a direct option.
Handicap bettors may look at West Ham -0.5 at 1.85, though Sunderland’s home record makes the double chance appealing.
Prediction & Betting Tips
Predicted Score: Sunderland 1-1 West Ham
Best Bets:
- Under 2.5 Goals – 1.80
- Sunderland or Draw (Double Chance) – 1.70
- Bowen Anytime Scorer – 2.50
Long Shots:
- Next Goal after 60 mins – 2.50
- Bowen Anytime + Under 3.5 Goals – 4.00
Live Betting Angles:
- If 0-0 at 30 mins → Back Under 2.5 (~1.70)
- If 1-0 after 70 mins → Back BTTS late (~3.00)
