London Stadium: Survival Struggle

State of West Ham vs Sunderland

Before their trip to north London a week ago, West Ham were facing enormous pressure due to their poor run of form. For 10 consecutive league games, the Hammers had been winless, with 4 draws and 6 losses, including just one point in their last 6 games.

However, playing away against a struggling Tottenham side, Nuno Santo’s side surprisingly won 2-1 thanks to a Callum Wilson goal in the third minute of stoppage time. This crucial London derby victory helped the Hammers reduce the gap between them to just 5 points.

To escape the relegation zone, West Ham needs to extend its streak of positive results. However, this task faces significant challenges due to the Hammers’ difficult upcoming fixtures. After hosting Sunderland, Soucek and his teammates will also have to face Chelsea, Burnley and Manchester United.

Except for the crucial match against Burnley, the remaining three were difficult to score. Sunderland, despite being a recently promoted team, is not an easy opponent. The Black Cats, overall, have shown consistent performance throughout the season. In their last eight games, the northeast team has only lost once, drawn four and won three.

Instead of worrying about relegation, Sunderland are aiming to qualify for European competitions. Currently, Regis Le Bris’ team is in ninth place with 33 points, just three out of the top four.

Sunderland will become even stronger and harder to beat now that their key players have returned from their Africa Cup of Nations obligations. It should be noted that, despite being the team most affected by the African Cup of Nations, the Stadium of Light team has played with great resilience, minimizing its defeats during the last month.

Away games have not been a big concern for the visiting team either. In their last four away games, Sunderland have only lost once, drawn twice and won once. In the first leg of this season, coach Le Bris’s team made a big impression by beating West Ham 3-0.

Since the start of the season, West Ham have only kept a clean sheet in 19 of 22 games. Furthermore, in the 17 games under the direction of Nuno Santo, the London team conceded at least one goal. If they want to achieve better results, the Hammers must find ways to improve their defensive solidity.

West Ham vs Sunderland team news

West Ham: Only goalkeeper Lukas Fabianski is absent due to injury.

Sunderland: Bertrand Traore and Arthur Masuaku are two notable players currently recovering from injuries.

Predicted lineups for West Ham vs Sunderland

West Ham: Areola; Wan-bissaka, todibo, mavropanos, scarles; Bowen, Fernandes, Soucek, Summerville; Pablo; Castellanos

Surderland: roefs; Mukiele, Babalard, Alderere, Reinildo; Sadki, xhaka; Hume, le Fee, Adingra; brobby

Prediction: 1-1

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