Honestly, football has a funny way of making you look stupid. Back in August, when Sunderland AFC rolled back into the Premier League after nearly a decade in the wilderness, the script was written. West Ham were the established big boys, the London Stadium stalwarts, and Sunderland were just happy to be there. Then the whistle blew at the Stadium of Light, and Régis Le Bris' side basically dismantled them 3-0. It wasn't even close.
Now we’re looking at the reverse fixture on January 24, 2026. This isn't just another game on the calendar. For West Ham, it’s about survival and a desperate need for revenge. For the Black Cats, it’s a chance to prove that the opening day wasn't a fluke.
Why the London Stadium is Nervous
You’ve seen the table. It’s ugly for the Hammers. Sitting in 18th place with only 14 points from 21 games is a nightmare scenario that nobody saw coming when the season kicked off. Graham Potter has inherited a squad that feels strangely disjointed. Despite having names like Jarrod Bowen and Lucas Paquetá, they’ve managed only three wins all season.
The fans are restless. There’s this heavy vibe at the London Stadium lately—sorta like everyone is waiting for the other shoe to drop. Compare that to Sunderland. They’re sitting pretty in 10th (some stats even had them as high as 7th recently). They’ve got 30 points and a goal difference that suggests they actually belong in the top half.
The pressure is entirely on the home side. If West Ham lose this, the gap to safety starts looking like a canyon.
The Midfield Battle: Xhaka vs. The Hammers
Let’s talk about Granit Xhaka. Bringing him in from Leverkusen was a masterstroke. He’s the "dad" of that Sunderland midfield, keeping kids like Habib Diarra and Noah Sadiki in line. In that 3-0 win back in August, Xhaka basically ran the show from the center circle. He didn't have to run much; he just moved the ball and let the Londoners tire themselves out.
West Ham’s midfield has been a bit of a revolving door. They miss the stability they used to have. If Ward-Prowse and Soucek can’t disrupt Xhaka’s rhythm, it’s going to be a long Saturday for the home support.
Key Players to Watch
- Eliezer Mayenda: The kid is a handful. He scored the opener in the first meeting and his movement off the ball is top-tier.
- Jarrod Bowen: He’s still the main man for West Ham. If they’re going to score, it’s usually through him. He had a decent chance early in the last game but Robin Roefs shut him down.
- Dan Ballard: A rock at the back for Sunderland. He didn't just defend in the last match; he scored a thumping header to make it 2-0.
Looking at the History
Historically, this is one of the more balanced fixtures in English football. They’ve played 93 times. West Ham has 36 wins, Sunderland has 32. It’s tight. But stats from 1968—like that 8-0 West Ham win where Geoff Hurst scored six—don’t really mean much when you’re facing a modern, high-pressing Sunderland side in 2026.
Sunderland’s record at the London Stadium (and the old Boleyn Ground) isn't actually that bad. They’ve won 18 times away against the Hammers. They don't have that "away day dread" that some newly promoted teams carry.
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What Really Matters for January 24
West Ham is desperate. That makes them dangerous, but also prone to mistakes. Sunderland, meanwhile, are playing with house money. Nobody expected them to be 10th. They can afford to be patient, sit back, and wait for the London Stadium crowd to turn on their own players.
If Sunderland scores first, it’s game over. The atmosphere will turn toxic for the Hammers. But if West Ham can nick an early goal, maybe through a Bowen moment of magic, we might actually see the "Potter-ball" everyone's been waiting for.
Match Details
- Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026
- Time: 12:30 PM GMT
- Venue: London Stadium
- Competition: Premier League, Round 23
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're heading to the game or watching from home, keep an eye on the first 15 minutes. West Ham usually starts with a burst of energy that fades if they don't get a result quickly.
For the tactical nerds, watch the space behind West Ham’s full-backs. Sunderland’s wingers, Adingra and Talbi, are lightning fast. They’ll be looking to exploit the gap whenever Wan-Bissaka or Emerson push too high.
Check the late fitness tests for Wilson Isidor. He’s been a super-sub for the Black Cats, and his late goal in the last meeting showed he doesn't need much time to make an impact. If he’s on the bench, expect him to come on around the 70th minute to stretch a tired West Ham defense.
Keep an eye on the official team sheets an hour before kickoff. If Xhaka is missing for any reason, the odds shift significantly toward a West Ham result. Without him, Sunderland loses their tactical compass.