Supercomputer predicts outcome of West Ham vs Sunderland in Premier League showdown
West Ham are looking to continue their winning run against Sunderland at the London Stadium on Saturday.
West Ham beat Tottenham 2-1 in dramatic circumstances on 17 January, with Callum Wilson scoring a 93rd-minute winner.
However, the Hammers are five points adrift of 17th-placed Nottingham Forest, and Nuno Espirito Santo is still under intense scrutiny.
West Ham are embroiled in a relegation battle, and they’ll need to be at their best against a Sunderland side that is pushing for European football this season.
West Ham predicted as slight favourites to beat Sunderland
The Black Cats come into the match off the back of a vital 2-1 win at home to Crystal Palace in their last Premier League outing.
Regis Le Bris’ side have exceeded expectations this season, and they are well clear of the relegation battle that the Hammers currently find themselves in.
However, according to Opta‘s supercomputer, West Ham are set to win back-to-back games under Nuno.
- West Ham have been given a 39.3 per cent chance of claiming the all three points
- Sunderland have a 34.1 per cent chance of securing an away win
- A draw has been given a 26.6 per cent probability of occurring
West Ham have lost just one of their last 12 Premier League home games against Sunderland, winning the last three meetings 1-0.
However, Sunderland are looking to complete the Premier League double over West Ham for just the second time, previously doing so in 2010-11 when the Hammers were relegated from the top flight.
Sunderland battered West Ham 3-0 on the opening day of the season, and they’ll feel confident that they can secure just their third away win of the campaign.
Although both teams have dangerous players in attack, whichever team wins the midfield battle will likely go on to win the match.
West Ham have to stick tight to Granit Xhaka
Sunderland’s Granit Xhaka has made more line-breaking passes that have led to a goal than any other player in the Premier League this season (eight).
Four of these have been direct assists by the Switzerland international, which is another league high.
Mateus Fernandes has been impressive this season, and he’s the man who’s most likely to mark Xhaka during the match.
The Sunderland captain has been one of the signings of the season, and the Hammers need to be wary of his passing range at the London Stadium.
The Portuguese midfielder will need to be disciplined throughout the match, and if he can suffocate Xhaka when he’s in possession of the ball, then the Hammers could get the better of Sunderland.
A win is necessary for Nuno and West Ham, and it could all hinge on how well Fernandes plays on Saturday.
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