Long awaited, the Premier League returns with [West Ham](https://www.claretandhugh.info/sunderland-season-opener-has-added-spice-west-ham-news/) fans the less enthusiastic about the forthcoming season: Two players brought in and two on ‘free’ transfers hardly qualifies as a ‘rebuild’.
Something all Hammers fans will be aware of is the clubs dreadful opening-day form in the Premier League. Indeed, West Ham have come out losers in the opening day fixture of a Premier League season more times than any other side in the history of the Premier League – sixteen times in all. The Irons have also c conceded more match day one goals than any other club: 50 in total.
If you are one of the faithful heading up to the Stadium if Light tomorrow, you have my respect. History would suggest slim pickings for West Ham especially with the sale of one of their best players – Mohammed Kudus- during the summer window and no replacement brought in.
Sunderland, by contrast, have splashed an enormous £140 million with eleven new players. However they will have their own statistics in mind and have cause to fear the clash with West Ham.
According to [bbc.co.uk,](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/live/cwy55ypyl0gt) “_Sunderland are winless in their last eight league games against West Ham (D4 L4), most recently a 2-2 draw in April 2017: In addition,West Ham have lost just one of their last 17 Premier League games against promoted sides ._ _This is the fourth time West Ham are starting a Premier League campaign against a promoted side, with the Hammers winning each of the previous three, and –_as a Premier League side, Sunderland haven’t won their opening match in any of the last seven seasons”
Whilst the statistics may favour an away win for West Ham, the Hammers’ supporters who had to sit through last season will be wary of being too upbeat ahead of the re-commencement of hostilities tomorrow.
Me? as long as I don’t have to endure the ‘_Soucek, Ward-Prowse and Rodriguez_‘ axis of evil in the middle of the pitch, I’ll enjoy the beginning of another season. Predictions tomorrow!