When and where?
West Ham United v Sunderland
Premier League
Saturday 22 October 2016, 3pm BST
London Stadium
What’s the story?
West Ham United head into Saturday’s game against Sunderland with a confidence-boosting victory at Crystal Palace behind them.
Manuel Lanzini’s first half goal at Selhurst Park ended a run of five league games without a win and lifted Slaven Bilic’s side up to 15th in the Premier League table.
Next they take on a Black Cats side rooted to the bottom, with just two points from their opening seven games.
So the Hammers will be looking to make it back-to-back victories and make a move towards the top half of the table.
West Ham implemented a three at the back system when they took on the Eagles, and the boss must make a decision over whether to stick with that as Aaron Cresswell misses out through suspension.
For Sunderland, a winless start to the season leaves them in the familiar position of fighting near the bottom – with just draws against Southampton and West Bromwich Albion to their credit.
They do possess a striker in Jermain Defoe, however, that the Hammers know all about and who contributed 15 goals to their survival effort last term.
Team news
The Hammers will be without Aaron Cresswell just a week after he returned from a three-month injury lay-off with an assist at Crystal Palace.
His absence this time is down to a suspension incurred for two harsh yellow cards at Selhurst Park and he will miss one game.
Andre Ayew is back in training, but this game comes around too quickly for him, while Andy Carroll, Arthur Masuaku (both knee), Gokhan Tore (quadriceps) and Sam Byram (hamstring) are sidelined.
Sunderland’s Lamine Kone returns from a hamstring injury, and Patrick van Aanholt is also available again after a muscle strain.
Player head-to-head
Any links between the two?
Sunderland forward Jermain Defoe scored 41 goals in 105 games for the Hammers between 2000 and 2004 and played an integral role in keeping the Black Cats up last term, with an impressive 15 goals in 33 league appearances.
Last season, the Hammers defeated Sunderland 1-0 at the Boleyn Ground, with Michail Antonio scoring the only goal of the game.
At the Stadium of Light, Carl Jenkinson and Dimitri Payet scored to help the Hammers come back from 2-0 down to claim a point.
How do I get to the game?
Click here for information on how to access London Stadium.
Supporters who use Abellio Greater Anglia and TfL rail services should be aware of Crossrail works which are disrupting services. Click here for full information.
Click here for information on the roads and Underground services.
A limited number of wheelchair parking bays remain available for this fixture. Call 0845 174 0174 to book.
How can I watch the game?
The game is not being broadcast live in the UK. See below for international broadcast information.
