(Credit: Imago)

How West Ham performed in pre-season and what Sunderland should expect

Alex is a lifelong Sunderland supporter who's been reporting on Mackem News since April 2025. Indeed, he started working for Breaking Media in April and has since graduated from St Mary's University as a NCTJ Gold Standard-accredited journalist, having completed his Master's degree in Sports Journalism. Alex previously worked for Football League World and has featured on the Roker Report, providing his opinion on all things Sunderland. While getting to the games is tricky, given his job, one of the highlights of his life was watching (and crying) as the Black Cats defeated Sheffield United at Wembley Stadium last season.

Published on:

12 Aug 2025, 9:18 am

Sunderland are preparing for their first Premier League fixture in eight years at the Stadium of Light.

Regis Le Bris' side welcome West Ham on Saturday, which is viewed as a favourable opening game for the Black Cats.

The Wearside faithful will finally have the opportunity to see some of their new signings in competitive action, with big money already spent.

Looking ahead to the clash, Mackem News analyses the Hammers' pre-season and what Sunderland should expect.

Le Bris looks ahead to the new season (Credit: Imago)

West Ham enjoy positive pre-season under Graham Potter

West Ham drew 1-1 with Lille at the London Stadium in their final pre-season match before defeating them on penalties.

Indeed, it was a positive summer on the pitch for Potter's side after an underwhelming 2024/25 campaign.

The Irons defeated two English sides as part of the Premier League Summer Series after recording wins over Everton and Bournemouth.

Date	Result
19 July	Grasshoppers 1-3 West Ham
26 July	Man United 2-1 West Ham
30 July	West Ham 2-1 Everton
3 August	Bournemouth 0-2 West Ham
9 August	West Ham 1-1 Lille

The East London club enjoyed success in pre-season

However, Manchester United narrowly beat West Ham in the United States in what was their only defeat of the summer.

Potter's men recorded three wins, one draw, and one loss in pre-season, which will encourage the Hammers faithful.

The pressure is on Potter to make progress in East London (Credit: Imago)

What West Ham will bring to Sunderland

As well as the obvious threats that the Hammers will pose, there is also some fresh talent that can hurt the Wearsiders.

West Ham's talisman Jarrod Bowen has impressed in pre-season, delivering goals and assists as he continues to lead by example.

However, new signing El Hadji Malick Diouf is one to watch after signing from Slavia Prague for £19million.

Diouf is a left-sided player who could be utilised as a left back or as a winger, and he has shone on the pitch.

The 20-year-old delivered some eye-catching attacking performances, providing assists against Everton and Bournemouth.

Elsewhere, Lucas Paqueta and Niclas Fullkrug have shown signs that they are back to their best, with significant contributions in pre-season.

Bowen is expected to star again for the Hammers
Diouf could be an absolute steal
Paqueta and Fullkrug appear to be back to their best

While many see West Ham as a beatable opposition, they have shown what they are capable of ahead of their meeting with Le Bris' side.

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Premier League

Graham Potter