Sunderland step back into the big time this weekend, with West Ham United the visitors for a long‑awaited Premier League fixture on Wearside. For the red‑and‑white end of the city, it is a day charged with memory and possibility. After four successive escapes, the drop finally came in 2016/17. An immediate reset never materialised. Instead, came a second relegation and a stark spell in the third tier for the first time since the mid‑80s. It took four seasons to climb back to the Championship, a play‑off miss in 2022/23, then a 16th‑place stumble that left ambitions trimmed. Last term flipped the script. Targeting a top‑half finish, Sunderland surged into the play‑offs and found late‑show nerve when it mattered, edging Coventry City in the semis and Sheffield United in the final with stoppage‑time drama. Promotion restored, the remit now is simple: stay up. Regis Le Bris has credit in the bank after masterminding the rise and has been backed accordingly, with more than £136m invested in new faces. Yet the challenge is brutal. The last six promoted sides have all bounced straight back down, and Sunderland’s promotion points haul trailed the tallies posted by Burnley, Luton Town, Sheffield United, Ipswich Town, Leicester City and Southampton. Margins will be razor‑thin, and the Stadium of Light’s energy must become a weekly advantage. Le Bris’s early priorities are clear: tighten the defensive structure without blunting the intensity that carried them up; settle key signings quickly; and make home starts count. A strong first impression against experienced Premier League opposition would buy time and belief. West Ham arrive off an underwhelming campaign: 14th in the league and early exits from both cups. Graham Potter inherits a talented group but also a fanbase unconvinced by recent direction. The European nights under David Moyes — Conference League glory and deep Europa runs, most recently in 2023/24 — feel further away than the calendar suggests. First task for Potter is to rebuild trust and connection. 18+ | Gamble responsibly | gambleaware.org | Odds subject to change 18+ | Gamble responsibly | gambleaware.org | Odds subject to change If you are on the lookout for the latest free bet offers, then look no further. Here, not only do we bring you numerous free bet offers, but all from the very best betting sites in the industry. Each bookie we recommend is fully licensed and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission, so you know you are always betting on a safe and trustworthy site. Check out the Mirror Betting Hubs Free Bets offers here . Full terms and conditions apply | gambleaware.org | Gamble responsibly | 18+ | UK only READ MORE: Free Bets & Bookmaker Sign Up Offers Reach plc is committed to promoting safer gambling. All of our content and recommended bets are advised to those aged 18 or over. Odds are subject to change too. We strongly encourage our readers to only ever bet what they can afford to lose. For more information, please call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or visit gambleaware.org .