Sunderland’s return to the Premier League sees them kick-off at home in an intense and potentially cautious clash with West Ham.

Sunderland’s youthful intensity and smart recruitment to date under Regis Le Bris are met by a West Ham side with a more secure and pragmatic approach under Graham Potter. 

After eight long years outside the top flight, the Mackems return with a feeling of optimism and momentum that has previously deceived them at this level. 

EPL Bets writer Ethan Pitts has put together a three-legged treble that could net you a tidy profit on this game. Here is his reasoning behind it. 

What are the best bets for Sunderland v West Ham? 

Sunderland to draw or win 

This is a fascinating affair between two sides who will be preparing for a potential relegation battle throughout this season. 

Despite a positive pre-season, Potter’s side have struggled in the last 12 months, which makes their price as the overwhelming favourites in this tie a bit questionable. 

Sunderland have enjoyed an exceptional transfer window so far, spending an ambitious total of £146.5m. 

The signings of Granit Xhaka (£17.3m) and Habib Diarra (£30m) in particular add a blend of both experience and dynamism to a midfield that was in desperate need of strengthening. 

Led by the likes of Xhaka and Diarra, I can see Le Bris’ side physically overwhelming the Hammers in the middle of the park, leading to extended waves of possession for the Black Cats. 

The departure of Mohammed Kudus decreases the unpredictability of this West Ham side and could well make them an easier side to defend against. 

For these reasons I like the value in Sunderland to win or draw come Saturday afternoon. 

Niklas Füllkrug to have over 0.5 shots on target  

Füllkrug comes into Saturday’s match having had a fantastic pre-season for the Hammers – scoring in his last three games. 

After a tough injury-hit first season in London, the German international now looks set to embark on a more important role under Potter in the new campaign.

Although Sunderland have strengthened in most facets of the pitch, they still lack the defensive acumen to resist potent and aggressive centre-forwards like Füllkrug.

Therefore, I really like the striker’s odds of getting in the position to register a shot-on-target in this match.

Sunderland to have over three corners 

The Stadium of Light has become somewhat of a fortress again under Le Bris, anchored profusely by their incredible corner statistics. 

Last season the Mackems averaged 6.65 corners a game at home – bettered only by champions Leeds United. 

If Sunderland are to succeed against an established Premier League side like West Ham, they will need to become a potent threat from set-pieces. 

West Ham were in the top percentile for corners conceded last year away from home, averaging 6.30 a game. 

For these reasons I can see Sunderland comfortably hitting this line. Something they have achieved in their last 13 games in front of their home faithful.  

Where can I watch Sunderland v West Ham? 

This match isn’t scheduled to be televised live in the UK. However, BBC Radio 5 Live will be covering the game from 3pm UK time. 

What is Sunderland’s form?

L-W-L-L-L

What is West Ham’s form?

D-W-W-L-W

What was the score when Sunderland last played West Ham? 

Sunderland 2 – 2 West Ham (April 15, 2017) 

Who scored when Sunderland last played West Ham? 

Wahbi Khazri (26’), Fabio Borini (90’)

Andre Ayew (5‘), James Collins (47’)