Relegation Battle vs. European Dream: West Ham United Hosts Sunderland
A pivotal Premier League clash is set for London Stadium as West Ham United, embroiled in a relegation battle, hosts a in-form Sunderland side with European aspirations. The Hammers, buoyed by two recent wins after a ten-game winless streak, are desperate to climb out of the drop zone, while the Black Cats aim to solidify their top-half position.
Match Background & Qualification Scenarios
This Premier League fixture at London Stadium is a crucial relegation battle for West Ham United. Currently 18th in the Premier League table, West Ham are five points adrift of safety in the relegation zone. Their overall season performance has been poor, with a low win rate and particularly concerning home form. For the Hammers, every match is vital as they desperately fight to avoid relegation.
In stark contrast, promoted Sunderland are enjoying an excellent return to the Premier League, sitting 9th in the table with 33 points and displaying good overall form. After an eight-year absence, the Black Cats' comeback has been impressive, and they are only three points off the top four, still dreaming of European football. This match presents an opportunity for Sunderland to solidify their league position and continue their push for European qualification. In the reverse fixture this season, Sunderland secured a convincing 3-0 victory over West Ham.
Recent Form
West Ham United have recently broken a ten-game winless streak across all competitions with two consecutive victories, boosting morale. They first defeated Queens Park Rangers 2-1 in the FA Cup, followed by a significant 2-1 away win against local rivals Tottenham Hotspur in the league. However, their overall league form this season remains very poor, having previously gone ten matches without a win.
Sunderland has suffered just one defeat in their last seven top-flight outings. Their recent five official match results are: a 2-1 home victory over Crystal Palace in the league; a 1-1 away draw against Everton in the FA Cup (winning on penalties); a 0-3 away loss to Brentford in the league; a 1-1 away draw against Tottenham Hotspur in the league; and a 0-0 home draw against Manchester City in the league.
Key Players & Injury News
Key players for West Ham United include this season's top league scorer Jarrod Bowen (6 goals), midfield maestro Lucas Paquetá (known for his key passes), and the recently impactful Crysencio Summerville, who has scored in the last two games. In defense, Jean-Clair Todibo and Max Kilman are the team's experienced center-back options.
Regarding injuries, West Ham faces a defensive crisis. Defender Konstantinos Mavropanos was stretchered off with a head injury in the FA Cup on January 11th and is unlikely to play. Lucas Paquetá and Łukasz Fabiański are both dealing with back injuries; Paquetá's participation is doubtful, while Fabiański's return date is unknown. Mateus Fernandes also has a knock, and El Hadji Malick Diouf is unavailable due to international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Sunderland's key players include captain Granit Xhaka, Brian Brobbey, Simon Adingra, and Enzo Le Fée. For injuries, Arthur Masuaku and Bertrand Traoré both sustained injuries during AFCON 2025 and are expected to be sidelined for several weeks. Habib Diarra and Chemsdine Talbi are also absent due to their participation in the Africa Cup of Nations. Aji Alese is out with a shoulder injury.