West Ham fixtures: High-profile London derbies headline opening run

The former Chelsea and Brighton boss replaced Julen Lopetegui in January after a turbulent first half of last season and helped steady the ship, guiding the club away from danger and laying the foundations for a reset.

West Ham fixtures 2025:

August 16: Sunderland vs West Ham

August 24: West Ham vs Chelsea

August 30: Nottingham Forest vs West Ham

September 13: West Ham vs Tottenham

September 21: West Ham vs Crystal Palace

The Hammers open the campaign away at newly promoted Sunderland - back in the top flight for the first time in eight years. It's a fixture loaded with emotion for the hosts, and the east Londoners will need to weather the occasion and avoid an early slip.

A tough early test follows as Chelsea visit the London Stadium in Potter's first home game of the season. The narrative will inevitably focus on Potter facing his former club, but the Hammers will be more concerned with showing they can go toe-to-toe with the league's top six again.

The final fixture of August takes them to the City Ground to face Nottingham Forest, a side they've shared close contests with in recent meetings. Forest's home form has been strong, and it could be a gritty, physical battle.

September brings two home London derbies. First up is Tottenham, a fixture that rarely lacks edge. Spurs have dominated this matchup in recent seasons, and the Hammers will be eager to flip the script in front of a home crowd.

Crystal Palace arrive a week later in what's often a tightly contested affair. Both clubs have similar ambitions this season, making it a key early test of West Ham's progress in the Potter era.

It's been a season of change at the club. Out go Mohammed Kudus, Vladimír Coufal, Aaron Cresswell, Danny Ings, and Michail Antonio, while loan players Carlos Soler and Evan Ferguson have returned to their parent clubs.

Meanwhile, France international Jean-Clair Todibo has made his move permanent in a significant boost for the Hammers. In come El Hadji Malick Diouf and Kyle Walker-Peters bolster the defence, with Mads Hermansen added in goal and Callum Wilson brought in to provide experience up front in what could turn out to be somewhat of a coup after leaving Newcastle on a free transfer.

Reflecting on the club's direction under his leadership, Potter has emphasised the importance of patience and identity.

"We want to build a team that plays with courage, control and clarity. That takes time, but we've made a good start," said the highly-rated tactician.

West Ham standings - Historic log positions

2020/21 - 6th

2021/22 - 7th

2022/23 - 14th

2023/24 - 9th

2024/25 - 14th