Nayef Aguerd axed, three competitive debuts – West Ham predicted XI vs Sunderland
West Ham will visit Sunderland in their 2025/26 Premier League opener on Saturday as Graham Potter looks to instantly improve on last season.
The Hammers endured a gruelling previous top-flight campaign, with Potter replacing Julen Lopetegui halfway through the season.
The former Brighton manager struggled to get to grips with his side, and having made just five signings so far this summer, supporters aren’t optimistic.
However, West Ham have the perfect chance to start strong against Sunderland on 16 August, who are approaching their first top-flight season in eight years.
Kyle Walker-Peters to make his debut against Sunderland in place of Aguerd
Potter is unlikely to make any drastic changes in defence against Sunderland, but Kyle Walker-Peters could come in to replace Nayef Aguerd.
Aguerd has been linked with a move away this summer, and the Hammers could choose to play someone who has committed their long-term future at the London Stadium.
Walker-Peters could slot in at right wing-back, and Aaron Wan-Bissaka could play a new role as the right-sided centre back in the back three.
El Hadji Malick Diouf impressed on his last outing for the Irons against Lille, and is expected to make his Premier League debut on the opposite flank.
Edson Alvarez has been benched for much of the summer, though he could replace Freddie Potts, with the youngster not expected to be thrust straight into the deep end in the top-flight.
James Ward-Prowse could keep his place in midfield, with the Hammers still in the market for a midfielder after having bids for Southampton’s Mateus Fernandes knocked back.
Alphonse Areola to play second fiddle to Mads Hermansen
Potter finally ended his search for a new goalkeeper, with Leicester City’s Mads Hermansen sealing a move to East London.
The Dane is expected to slot straight into the Hammers’ lineup, having impressed in the top-flight last season, despite the Foxes’ dismal campaign.
Hermansen could spell the end for Alphonse Areola’s time at the London Stadium.
The Frenchman is one of the highest earners at West Ham, with a £100,000 a week wage, and should Potter offload the goalkeeper, it could facilitate the Hammers to spend more.
Jarrod Bowen, Niclas Fullkrug and Lucas Paqueta will finish the team off, with those three critical to a positive result at the Stadium of Light.
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