Sunderland lineup vs. West Ham: Predicted XI for Premier League opener of 2025-26 season

Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris could name as many as seven new signings in his starting lineup for their opening Premier League match of the 2025-26 season against West Ham United at the Stadium of Light.

Granit Xhaka has been named the Black Cats’ new club captain following his summer arrival from Bayer Leverkusen and the 32-year-old is expected to start in midfield alongside club-record signing Habib Diarra and either Noah Sadiki or Enzo Le Fee.

Trai Hume extended his Sunderland contract until 2030 on Thursday and he is likely to play at right-back, while Reinildo Mandava - a summer signing from Atletico Madrid - is set to start at left-back and become the first player from Mozambique to play in the Premier League.

New goalkeeper Robin Roefs is expected to replace Anthony Patterson as Sunderland’s first-choice shot-stopper and could be protected by centre-back pairing Daniel Ballard and Jenson Seelt.

In attack, summer arrivals Simon Adingra and Chemsdine Talbi are the most likely duo to operate on the flanks, providing support for central striker Elieser Mayenda, who scored 10 goals last season and is expected to lead the line ahead of Wilson Isodor, who has only recently returned from injury.

Le Bris has confirmed that he will make a late call on whether to include the club’s latest signing Omar Alderete and fellow new recruits Arthur Masuaku and Marc Guiu in his matchday squad, while Romaine Mundle is expected to miss the first two months of the season with a thigh injury.

Sunderland possible starting lineup: Roefs; Hume, Seelt, Balland, Reinaldo; Sadiki, Xhaka, Diarra; Talbi, Mayenda, Adingra

> Click here to see how West Ham United could line up for this contest