OPPOSITION VIEW: WHU

Ahead of Sunderland's first Premier League game in eight years, we spoke to the guys from West Ham News & Views to discuss our opponents and what we can expect in the top flight...

So, first game of the season! How's West Ham's pre-season gone?

West Ham's pre-season has actually gone quite well. We won 6 of our 8 games we played, lost the other two (both by only one goal) and overall I'm actually happy with the performance levels I've seen. Looks like we're going with a 5-3-2 formation which I'm not against at all, but still feel we need one or two more players in to get it right.

What did the fans make of your 14th-placed finish last year?

I think most fans want to put last season behind us and forget about it. Lopetegui was a disaster and our owners are never going to live that down, choosing him over some of the other names we were linked with. Performances were poor from the get go, and even though Potter stabled the defence our offense was still dire. However this looks to have improved somewhat in pre-season.

What are your thoughts on manager Graham Potter?

I wasn't sure of Potter when we first got him, mainly because our chairman has publicly slated him as not good enough in the press. However whenever he talks about the club, he seems very genuine and knows it's a big job for him that he needs to get right. Since the start of pre-season, him and his staff have brought back this family feel amongst the squad which I feel we've lacked in recent years.

What's your transfer business been like?

Our business could be better. Very happy with Diouf and Hermansen, satisfied with KWP as rotation for AWB but Wilson makes no sense to me. Seems a very pointless signing that it seems Potter himself wasn't keen on - but that's the luxury of having David Sullivan as your chairman. He buys who his mates recommend instead of the transfer team he pays to recommend players.

Where do you still need to strengthen?

Midfield is still very much a priority. Has been all summer. We need more signings in midfield for the formation to fully work too. Hopefully we get that done, but with Sullivan I'm never confident we can.

Who will we need to look out for in this game?

Diouf on the left has a wicked cross on him and he's been supplying Fullkrug & Bowen with creative plays throughout pre-season. If you give him space, he will be a problem. Fullkrug & Bowen as a striker partnership has been very effective too.

Which Sunderland player worries you the most?

I watch a lot of Championship football so the likes of Mayenda, Rigg, Isidor and Le Fee all are very good players. Some of your new signings have really impressed me though, especially Xhaka and Diarra. With respect, both could be playing at higher levels so the fact they're at Sunderland is really impressive.

What's your score prediction for the game?

I've only ever been to the Stadium of Light once and that game ended in a 2-2 draw, with Payet and Jenkinson scoring for West Ham. I think we will see the same scoreline again. Not sure on who scores for Sunderland, but reckon both our strikers will get our goals.

Finally, where do you think both sides will finish this season?

I think both teams will survive this season, which I'm sure will be seen as a big achievement for you guys considering what's happened to previous clubs to be promoted. Staying up then gives you a financial springboard to make yourself a PL regular. Whereas for West Ham, if we don't sign anymore players then I think our midfield will be our downfall this season with our ceiling be 10th.