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West Ham United vs Sunderland: Team News and Predicted Lineups

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports | By Barry Dixon | Last updated Jan 24, 2026 4:54 AM ET

West Ham host Sunderland on Saturday lunchtime and will be hoping that they can build on their victory at Tottenham last weekend. The Black Cats, while unbeaten at home this season, have not won away in the league since defeating Chelsea in October; however, they did beat Everton in the FA Cup two weeks ago. A victory for the Hammers wouldn’t take them out of the bottom three, but it would get them closer and increase their confidence. A win for the Black Cats could take them to within touching distance of a Champions League place.

West Ham United vs Sunderland: Team News and Predicted Lineups

West Ham Team News

Hammers boss Nuno Espírito Santo confirmed in his press conference that Lucas Paquetá will not be available to face Sunderland. He said: “The situation is the same as last week. I hope the Club and the player find a solution. For this game against Sunderland, he won’t be available, and we’ll take the solution day by day. All the things that have happened in the past have created problems. Now that’s finished, I hope we all can find a solution.”

Lukasz Fabianski will once again be missing, but El Hadji Malick Diouf has returned from AFCON and could feature.

Sunderland Team News

Sunderland will have Habib Diarra and Chemsdine Talbi back in their squad after their return from AFCON. However, both only returned to training on Thursday, and while available, will likely start from the bench with Regis Le Bris keeping faith in the team that beat Crystal Palace.

Definitely out are Bertrand Traore and Arthur Masukau. The pair were injured while representing their countries and are expected to be out for around a month.

Long-term absentee Aji Alese is beginning his comeback by getting minutes for the U21s; however, he is still some way off a first-team return.