West Ham vs Sunderland Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Saturday, 24 January

West Ham are set to face Sunderland in a Premier League clash at the London Stadium on Saturday, 24 January. This fixture promises to be an intriguing contest as both teams aim to secure crucial points in the league standings. With West Ham playing on home turf, they will be eager to make the most of their familiar surroundings to gain an advantage over Sunderland.

Sunderland, meanwhile, will be looking to upset the hosts and climb the Premier League table. The London Stadium will provide a lively backdrop for this encounter, as both sides have shown flashes of quality this season. In this match preview and betting tips, we will analyse how these teams match up and what strategies they may employ to come out on top.

West Ham vs Sunderland Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Both teams to score in the 1st half: yes	5

Given West Ham’s aggressive starts at home and Sunderland’s effective counter-attacking style, our recommended betting tip is for both teams to score in the first half. Both sides have shown defensive vulnerabilities early in matches, making this a likely outcome.

• West Ham’s defensive lapses have seen them concede an average of 2 goals per game this season.
• Sunderland have consistently found the net, scoring in their last five matches.
• The attacking styles and early game dynamics of both teams create high first-half goal-scoring potential.

Betting Odds

West Ham are priced as slight favourites at 2.5, but Sunderland’s odds of 2.87 suggest a closely contested affair at the London Stadium. The draw at 3.24 also presents a tempting option for those expecting a stalemate.

Betting Tip	Odds
West Ham to win	2.5
Draw	3.24
Sunderland to win	2.87

Given both teams’ recent performances, punters may find value in exploring the over 2.5 goals market, as well as considering both teams to score, reflecting the potential for an open and attacking match.

West Ham Analysis & Recent Performance

West Ham’s recent form has been inconsistent, with two wins, two losses, and a draw in their last five matches. They managed an impressive 2-1 away victory over Tottenham but suffered a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Wolverhampton. This inconsistency is concerning, especially as they currently sit 18th in the Premier League with 17 points.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Tottenham	West Ham	1 – 2 (Win)	Premier League	Jan 17, 2026
West Ham	Queens Park Rangers	1 – 1 (Extra time: 1 – 0) (Win)	FA Cup	Jan 11, 2026
West Ham	Nottingham Forest	1 – 2 (Loss)	Premier League	Jan 6, 2026
Wolverhampton	West Ham	3 – 0 (Loss)	Premier League	Jan 3, 2026
West Ham	Brighton	2 – 2 (Draw)	Premier League	Dec 30, 2025

Recent Form:
The Hammers have averaged 1.40 goals per game in their last five matches while conceding an average of 1.80, highlighting a defence that has failed to keep a clean sheet in this period. Their home form has been particularly troubling, with only one win from their last five home games, including three losses and a draw. This poor home record is compounded by their inability to secure clean sheets, pointing to defensive vulnerabilities.

Their attack, led by top scorer Jarrod Bowen with 6 goals this season, has shown promise but lacks consistency. West Ham’s attack has been effective in some games, as seen in their 2-2 draw against Brighton, but persistent defensive lapses have seen them concede in all of their last five matches. This highlights the need for tactical adjustments to strengthen their defence while maintaining their attacking threat.

• WWLLD

West Ham Suspensions & Injuries

West Ham will have to manage without Lukasz Fabiański and Lucas Paquetá for the upcoming match against Sunderland. Fabiański’s back injury means Alphonse Areola will continue as the starting goalkeeper, a role he has performed competently in recent matches. However, the absence of Paquetá, who is doubtful due to a back injury, could impact the creativity and fluidity in West Ham’s midfield. His ability to link play and provide an attacking threat will be missed, potentially placing more responsibility on Jarrod Bowen and Tomáš Souček to drive the team forward.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Lukasz Fabiański	Back injury	Late January 2026
Lucas Paquetá	Back injury	Doubtful

In terms of tactical adjustments, Nuno Espírito Santo may consider tweaking the midfield setup to compensate for Paquetá’s absence. Utilising Crysencio Summerville could offer a dynamic option on the flank, while Pablo and Mateus Fernandes may need to step up in central areas. The 4-4-1-1 formation offers flexibility, but West Ham’s depth will be tested, especially if Sunderland employ a high-pressing game.

The impact of these injuries on West Ham’s betting odds should not be underestimated. With Fabiański and Paquetá sidelined, there may be a slight shift in the odds, reflecting potential vulnerabilities in West Ham’s setup. However, with a strong defensive lineup and attacking options like Bowen and Valentín Castellanos, West Ham remain a formidable opponent.

West Ham Key Players

Jarrod Bowen is West Ham’s top scorer with 6 goals this season, embodying the team’s attacking threat. His ability to exploit space on the wing and cut inside for goal-scoring opportunities makes him a crucial asset in breaking down Sunderland’s defence. Bowen’s dynamism and precise finishing are likely to be central to West Ham’s attacking strategy.

In midfield, Tomáš Souček’s imposing presence and defensive qualities will be vital in controlling the game’s tempo. His partnership with Mateus Fernandes could prove crucial in both shielding the backline and transitioning play forward. Souček’s aerial prowess will also be a threat during set-pieces, providing an extra dimension to West Ham’s attack.

Valentín Castellanos is expected to lead the line as the centre-forward, offering physicality and an eye for goal. His ability to hold up play and bring others into the game will be key in linking up with Bowen and the midfield. Castellanos’ movement and positioning could pose significant problems for Sunderland’s defence.

Expected lineup for West Ham

• Goalkeeper: Alphonse Areola
• Defence: Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Konstantinos Mavropanos, Jean-Clair Todibo, Oliver Scarles
• Midfield: Jarrod Bowen, Crysencio Summerville, Pablo, Mateus Fernandes, Tomáš Souček
• Forward: Valentín Castellanos

West Ham Tactics and Formation

West Ham Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-4-1-1
• Key Forward: Valentín Castellanos
• Midfield Engine: Tomáš Souček and Mateus Fernandes
• Defensive Setup: No clean sheets in recent matches
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on counter-attacks and set-pieces.

West Ham employ a 4-4-1-1 formation under Nuno Espírito Santo, aiming for balance between defence and attack. Tomáš Souček and Mateus Fernandes form the midfield core, responsible for breaking up opposition play and initiating counter-attacks. Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville provide width and pace on the flanks, supporting Valentín Castellanos up front.

Defensively, the team have struggled to keep clean sheets, conceding in each of their last five games. The back line, featuring Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Konstantinos Mavropanos, will need to tighten up against Sunderland to prevent further lapses.

Offensively, West Ham’s strategy often revolves around quick transitions and exploiting set-piece opportunities. With Lukasz Fabiański and Lucas Paquetá unavailable, adjustments are necessary, which may impact their defensive organisation and creative playmaking.

Sunderland Analysis & Recent Performance

Sunderland have experienced mixed results in their recent fixtures, recording two wins, two draws, and one loss in their last five games across all competitions. This run includes a notable 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace and a goalless draw with Manchester City. However, a 3-0 defeat to Brentford exposed some vulnerabilities.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Sunderland	Crystal Palace	2 – 1 (Win)	Premier League	17 Jan 2026
Everton	Sunderland	N/A	FA Cup	10 Jan 2026
Brentford	Sunderland	3 – 0 (Loss)	Premier League	7 Jan 2026
Tottenham	Sunderland	1 – 1 (Draw)	Premier League	4 Jan 2026
Sunderland	Manchester City	0 – 0 (Draw)	Premier League	1 Jan 2026

Recent Form:
The team have averaged 1.40 goals per game in their last five matches, while conceding 1.20 on average. Despite an attack led by Brian Brobbey, Sunderland have struggled to consistently find the net, with Brobbey scoring four goals this season. Defensively, they have managed just one clean sheet in recent outings, indicating areas for improvement. Away from home, Sunderland have found it tough, winning only one of their last five away matches, with two losses and two draws.

Season Overview:

• WWLDD

Currently sitting 9th with 33 points, Sunderland’s season has been steady if unspectacular. They have played 22 matches, winning 8, drawing 9, and losing 5. Their win ratio stands at 36%, and while they have been adept at securing draws, their away form remains a concern, with only two wins in 11 away games, underlining the need for tactical adjustments on the road.

Sunderland Suspensions & Injuries

Sunderland will be without several key players due to injury, which could affect their depth and flexibility against West Ham. Aji Alese, sidelined with a shoulder injury until late January 2026, will not be available to bolster their defensive options. Bertrand Traoré and Arthur Masuaku, both dealing with longer-term injuries, are also unavailable, limiting Sunderland’s ability to rotate their squad.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Daniel Ballard	Hamstring Injury	Mid December 2023
Aji Alese	Shoulder Injury	Late January 2026
Bertrand Traoré	Knee Injury	Late February 2026
Arthur Masuaku	Ankle Injury	Late February 2026

The absence of Aji Alese in particular may force Sunderland to rely more heavily on their current defensive lineup, which includes Nordi Mukiele and Omar Alderete. Although Daniel Ballard is listed in the starting lineup, his recent hamstring injury raises questions about his match fitness. This could prompt tactical changes from coach Régis Le Bris, potentially altering Sunderland’s defensive strategy.

With these injuries, Sunderland may need to adopt a more cautious approach, focusing on maintaining a solid defensive shape to compensate for their lack of depth. This tactical shift could influence their effectiveness on the counter-attack and may impact betting markets as they face a determined West Ham side.

Sunderland Key Players

Sunderland’s attacking threat is led by their top scorer, Brian Brobbey, who has netted 4 goals this season. Brobbey’s clinical finishing and physical presence make him a constant danger for opposing defences. His movement off the ball allows him to exploit spaces effectively, making him pivotal to Sunderland’s attacking play.

In midfield, Enzo Le Fée stands out as a key playmaker, dictating the tempo with his vision and passing range. Alongside him, Granit Xhaka brings experience and tenacity, providing a robust defensive shield while also contributing to the team’s transitions. The defensive line is strengthened by Nordi Mukiele, whose versatility and defensive awareness are vital to maintaining Sunderland’s solidity at the back.

Expected lineup for Sunderland

• Goalkeeper: Robin Roefs
• Defence: Nordi Mukiele, Daniel Ballard, Omar Alderete, Reinildo
• Midfield: Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki, Trai Hume, Enzo Le Fée, Eliezer Mayenda
• Forward: Brian Brobbey

Sunderland Tactics and Formation

Sunderland Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Brian Brobbey
• Midfield Pivot: Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki
• Defensive Strength: One clean sheet in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on possession and building from the back.

Sunderland’s 4-2-3-1 formation allows them to maintain control in midfield while providing defensive cover. Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki form a solid midfield duo, tasked with anchoring the team and distributing the ball effectively. The creative influence of Enzo Le Fée as an attacking midfielder is crucial in linking play with forward Brian Brobbey, who leads the line.

Defensively, Sunderland rely on the experience of Nordi Mukiele and Reinildo as full-backs, with Daniel Ballard and Omar Alderete as the central defensive pairing. Despite conceding in four of their last five matches, the team’s defensive organisation remains a key focus as they seek to improve their clean sheet record.

Offensively, Sunderland thrive on maintaining possession and building play from the back, with an emphasis on creating opportunities through controlled passing and movement. The absence of Romaine Mundle due to injury could see Eliezer Mayenda take on a more prominent role on the wing.

West Ham vs Sunderland Head-to-Head Record

West Ham and Sunderland have faced each other 34 times, with West Ham holding the advantage with 16 wins to Sunderland’s 10, and 8 matches ending in draws. The most recent meeting saw Sunderland secure a dominant 3-0 victory at home in the Premier League, demonstrating their ability to spring a surprise.

The last time West Ham hosted Sunderland at the London Stadium was in October 2016, where they edged a narrow 1-0 win. Historically, West Ham have been strong at home against Sunderland, often prevailing in closely contested matches.

Home Side	Away Side	Score	League	Date
Sunderland	West Ham United	3 – 0	Premier League	2025-08-16
Sunderland	West Ham United	2 – 2	Premier League	2017-04-15
West Ham United	Sunderland	1 – 0	Premier League	2016-10-22
West Ham United	Sunderland	1 – 0	Premier League	2016-02-27
Sunderland	West Ham United	2 – 2	Premier League	2015-10-03