The Premier League fixture list is out, and for once, West Ham United fans don’t have to brace themselves for a brutal start against Manchester City or another top-six monster.

Instead, it’s Sunderland at home on Saturday 16 August. A rare bit of mercy from the fixture gods.

That final day? Leeds United, also at the London Stadium. Not a bad way to bookend the season, especially if things get sticky near the bottom.

And let’s be honest, after last year’s mess and with zero signings in sight, no one’s ruling out another scrap for survival.

London Derby Season, Again

After that opener against the Black Cats, things get spicy fast.

Chelsea roll into town on 23 August for Graham Potter’s first proper test (against his old club, no less). Then it’s a run of all-capital clashes: Crystal Palace, Spurs, Brentford. All visiting Stratford early on.

The Irons’ first trip outside London isn’t until 1 November, away to Newcastle United. That stretch at home could be a blessing, or it could be pressure cooker stuff depending on how Potter’s project starts.

Christmas at Home? Don’t Mind If We Do

The festive period often feels like a blur, but this one looks manageable.

Fulham on 27 December, Brighton on 30 December, both at home and just days apart. Feels like the sort of run where you can either give yourself a bit of breathing room or, if you’re already floundering, dig even deeper into the mess.

The Final Stretch Looks… Kind?

No guarantees in this league, but the run-in looks surprisingly gentle.

If West Ham are fighting the drop (which, let’s face it, wouldn’t be a shock), there’s at least a chance to pull something out of the fire.

The fixtures aren’t loaded with the usual late-season batterings. That alone feels like a small win.

Kickoff Times, TV Slots, and All That Jazz

Most games are slotted in for Saturdays at 3pm. That’ll change, obviously.

Sky Sports are reportedly covering around 80 percent of matches again, so expect plenty of evening and Sunday shifts. If you’re planning away trips, don’t lock anything in too early. The schedule’s written in pencil.

That Dreaded Opening Day Record

Sixteen opening day defeats. Fifty goals conceded. No club in Premier League history has had it worse.

It’s an ugly stat. But Sunderland at home? That’s about as kind a start as West Ham could ask for.

Whether they take advantage is another matter entirely.

Dates May Shift, Don’t Get Caught Out

Nothing is set in stone. Fixture dates are still subject to change for TV scheduling and other logistics.

Check the club’s official channels regularly, especially if you’re booking travel or sorting plans.

What to Make of It All?

In isolation, the fixture list could’ve been worse.

No heavyweight opener, a few early home derbies, a festive spell in east London, and a run-in that doesn’t scream doom

But context is everything. Last season was bleak. The summer’s been dead quiet. Patience is thin. This schedule might offer some room to breathe, but only if the club starts getting its act together. Fast.