Senegalese pair Habib Diarra and El Hadji Malick Diouf will make their Premier League debuts on Saturday when Sunderland host West Ham United in the opening round of the new season.
The fixture at the Stadium of Light marks Sunderland’s long-awaited return to the top flight, and manager has named a strong line-up as the club seeks to announce its comeback in style.
Diarra, who joins a reshaped midfield, is part of a side built to challenge from the outset, while Diouf will feature for West Ham after being trusted immediately by Graham Potter to reinforce the defence. Kick-off is scheduled for 14:00 GMT.
Sunderland’s return to the spotlight
For the home side, this contest carries enormous symbolic weight. Back in the Premier League after years away, the Black Cats are determined not to be seen as underdogs.
Their starting eleven reflects that ambition, with new arrivals and established internationals set to provide both strength and balance.
Habib Diarra, eager to make an impression on his debut, lines up alongside experienced midfielder Granit Xhaka, offering a blend of energy and control in the centre of the pitch.
Sunderland’s set-up is further strengthened by Reinildo at the back and Simon Adingra in attack, as the club signals its intent to compete with authority.
The supporters at the Stadium of Light will expect their side to deliver more than just a spirited display. Sunderland’s return is built on the desire to avoid a relegation battle and instead carve out a competitive presence in the league.
The inclusion of Diarra in such a prominent role is a clear indication of the faith placed in him to influence matches from the very start.
West Ham’s fresh ambitions
On the opposite side, West Ham United are equally determined to begin the campaign with momentum. Graham Potter has chosen a line-up stacked with attacking power and tactical balance, as the Hammers seek to build on their recent progress in domestic and European competitions.
Lucas Paquetá will orchestrate the midfield, while Jarrod Bowen’s attacking threat and the physical presence of Niklas Füllkrug are expected to provide constant danger in the final third. The spotlight, however, falls on El Hadji Malick Diouf, who has been handed a starting role on the left flank of the defence.
Diouf, a summer signing, will be tested immediately against a Sunderland side eager to exploit wide areas, but his inclusion highlights the confidence Potter has in the Senegalese defender’s ability to adapt quickly to the demands of English football.
His performance will be closely observed, as he looks to cement his place in the starting line-up in the weeks ahead.
A contest of intent
While it is only the opening match of the season, the encounter between Sunderland and West Ham offers more than just three points. For Sunderland, it is a statement of intent, a chance to show they belong back in the Premier League. For West Ham, it represents an opportunity to demonstrate consistency and ambition from the very first day.
With both Habib Diarra and El Hadji Malick Diouf set to make their first appearances in England’s top flight, the clash at the Stadium of Light carries additional intrigue.
Two Senegalese debutants, each with their own challenges and expectations, will step into one of football’s biggest stages — one seeking to lead his club’s resurgence, the other aiming to prove his worth at a club with growing ambitions.
As the whistle blows in Sunderland, the Premier League season begins with a spotlight on new faces, renewed dreams, and the promise of an uncompromising contest.
Your @PremierLeague Sunderland! 😍#SUNWHU pic.twitter.com/xu7aBZvaIU
— Sunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) August 16, 2025
Our XI to start the season 🗞️ pic.twitter.com/QqiaOQGJrr
— West Ham United (@WestHam) August 16, 2025
