Sunderland will be backed by a sell-out support when they embark upon their maiden trip to West Ham United’s London Stadium on Saturday (KO 3pm).
Formally the Olympic Stadium, the Black Cats will be hoping to forge a little piece of their own history in the capital and earn a first win at the new arena and, more importantly, a first three points of the Premier League season.
West Ham, meanwhile, will be riding on the crest of a hard-fought victory over Crystal Palace last weekend, with Manuel Lanzini’s first-half strike wrapping up the win and punishing Christian Benteke’s penalty miss.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference Sunderland boss David Moyes hailed the Hammer’s new home, but Slaven Bilic’s side have struggled to settle following their summer move from the Boleyn Ground.
Victory over Palace – on the road – was the Londoners’ first win in six Premier League games, with their last top-flight win at the London Stadium coming on August 21 against AFC Bournemouth.
And Moyes is hoping to take full advantage.
“We will try and capitalise on it. It’s a wee bit strange because to me it looks like a fantastic new stadium and a great facility.
“Hopefully go down to West Ham and enjoy the new set-up.”
The Sunderland manager also revealed that the club’s luckless injury problems are somewhat easing, with Lamine Kone and Patrick van Aanholt returning to training ahead of Saturday’s game.
Lee Cattermole will once again miss out as will Jan Kirchhoff, but like Adnan Januzaj and Jason Denayer the duo are making good progress.
West Ham will also be without a number of key players including defender Aaron Cresswell who was sent off against Palace last weekend.
Andre Ayew has returned to training but like Andy Carroll he won’t face the Black Cats.
Sunderland have met West Ham United on 80 occasions in league competition, with both sides winning 29 times as 22 ended level.
The Hammers held the advantage last season winning 1-0 at the Boleyn Ground courtesy of Michail Antonio’s first-half strike, with the reverse fixture ending 2-2 at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland’s last last win at West Ham came in May 2011.
But a new stadium represents a new opportunity. Ha’way the Lads!
OTHER INFO
If you can’t make the game, then don’t fear because we have every base covered with extensive coverage on safc.com and on Twitter by following @SunderlandAFC.
Nick Barnes and Gary Bennett will be live from 2pm.
New stadium? No problem! Download our matchday guide to the London Stadium by clicking here.