Sunderland and West Ham United will get their Premier League campaigns underway when they square off at the Stadium of Light on Saturday afternoon.
The hosts are set to compete in the top-flight for the first time since 2016-17 after securing promotion last term thanks to a dramatic 2-1 win over Sheffield United in May’s play-off final.
Manager Regis Le Bris has been busy reshaping his squad over the summer, most notably bringing in Granit Xhaka from Bayer Leverkusen.
The new-look Black Cats will now be bidding to hit the ground running when West Ham come to town on the opening weekend of the season.
Graham Potter is gearing up for his first full season in charge of the Hammers after taking charge of the club back in January.
The former Brighton and Chelsea boss failed to make a big impression at the London Stadium during the second half of last season, picking up just five wins from 19 matches en route to an underwhelming 14th-placed finish.
How the bookies view it: Hammers to start on a high note
Sunderland come into their first Premier League match in eight years as 9/4 underdogs on Boylesports while a share of the Stadium of Light spoils has been priced up at 23/10 with the same firm.
The bookmakers are expecting West Ham to play the role of party pooper on Saturday, with the visitors 23/20 favourites on Boylesports.
Head to head: History against the hosts
Not only do West Ham hold the upper hand in terms of the overall head-to-head record between the pair, they have avoided defeat in each of their previous eight Premier League encounters with Sunderland.
Players to watch: More joy for Jarrod?
Jarrod Bowen was the one shining light in an abysmal season for West Ham last term, netting 13 goals and providing 10 assists across his 34 Premier League appearances. With that in mind, the Hammers skipper stands out to register a goal involvement on Saturday at 10/11 on Bet 365.
The aforementioned Xhaka’s love of a strong tackle has often landed him in trouble with referees, making the new Sunderland man worthy of support to commit two or more fouls during this contest at an attractive 13/8 on Bet 365.
Predicted line-ups
While Sunderland could hand a number of players their debut for the club this weekend, they are also carrying a heavy injury list, with as many as six players expected to miss out.
Crysencio Summerville is not expected to return from a hamstring injury this weekend, while new West Ham recruit Calum Wilson is unlikely to feature due to a lack of pre-season action.
Sunderland: Roefs; Hume, Ballard, Alderete, Reinildo; Sadiki, Xhaka; Talbi, Diarra, Adingra; Mayenda
West Ham: Hermansen; Todibo, Kilman, Aguerd; Wan-Bissaka, Soucek, Alvarez, Diouf; Paqueta, Bowen; Fullkrug
Anything else catch the eye?
This will be a momentous occasion for Sunderland and I suspect that they could pick up a positive result with the backing of a fervent home crowd.
Bundling up the Black Cats on the double chance alongside under 6 match goals will bring about a 4/5 Bet Builder on Bet 365 and that holds plenty of appeal.
This combination would have clicked in 12 of West Ham’s 19 Premier League games away from home last season.
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