Crystal Palace vs Sunderland preview: Team news, likely lineups, scoreline prediction
Sunderland return to Premier League action against Crystal Palace this Saturday after the international break.
Regis Le Bris will be eyeing his third Sunderland win in four games, having beaten West Ham and Brentford.
If they are victorious at Selhurst Park, then it will be the first time Sunderland have beaten Palace in four successive away matches.
As for the Eagles, they have started the season in fine fettle and are unbeaten in all competitions.
Form guide
Crystal Palace: DWDDW
Sunderland: WLLW
Team News
Le Bris has confirmed that Dan Ballard is unavailable for the Premier League clash, but should be back for the following game against Aston Villa.
Elsewhere, Sunderland left-back Dennis Cirkin has been dealt a setback on his return from injury, with his manager confirming he will be out for longer than expected.
Romaine Mundle underwent surgery in the summer, and he is now due back after the October international break.
Meanwhile, Luke O’Nien is also expected to return for Villa, while Leo Hjelde is still out after having surgery on both of his achillies.
Le Bris confirmed that the North East club will have to wait on the injured Aji Alese, while it could be too soon to see Bertrand Traore in action.
- O’Nien: Shoulder
- Ballard: Groin
- Mundle: Hamstring
- Alese: Shoulder
- Cirkin: Wrist
- Hjelde: Achillies
As for Palace, they have some significant injuries of their own, with Ismaila Sarr and Adam Wharton both highly unlikely to feature.
Moreover, Eddie Nketiah and Cheick Doucoure are both expected to be sidelined for Glasner’s side.
Read more: Romaine Mundle injury timeline revealed ahead of Sunderland’s visit to Crystal Palace
Predicted lineups
Crystal Palace: Henderson, Guehi, Richards, Lacroix, Lerma, Hughes, Munoz, Mitchell, Kamada, Pino, Mateta
Sunderland: Roefs, Hume, Mukiele, Alderete, Reinildo, Xhaka, Diarra, Sadiki, Talbi, Le Fee, Isidor
Prediction: Crystal Palace 2-0 Sunderland
While the Black Cats will be purring after their start to the Premier League, they should face their toughest test in Palace.
Yes, the Eagles will likely have to make do without Wharton and Sarr, but they will still pose a threat with Mateta leading the line.
Furthermore, Glasner’s backline is made of steel, and Marc Guehi has continued to be a revelation in South East London.
The Eagles edge the head-to-head despite not beating the Wearsiders on home soil since 2013.
- Sunderland wins: 16
- Draws: 15
- Palace wins: 17
Of course, Sunderland have a chance and should be buoyed by their impressive record at Selhurst Park.
However, a win would be regarded as a shock result, meaning the home side should reign victorious.
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