Sunderland can do something never achieved with win vs Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park
Sunderland face the trickiest task of their Premier League season so far with a trip to Crystal Palace.
The Black Cats have enjoyed a triumphant return to the top flight, with wins over West Ham and Brentford at the Stadium of Light.
However, Regis Le Bris’ men will be unfancied against Palace on Saturday, who are yet to lose a game in any competition.
If the Wearsiders do pick up an unlikely win at Selhurst Park, then they will achieve something they have never done before.
Sunderland eyeing fourth straight win at Selhurst Park
Le Bris could hand Wilson Isidor a rare start for the trip to South East London after his Premier League exploits.
The Frenchman has scored two goals already this season, having come off the bench in all three league games.
Another man who has shone for Sunderland is Enzo Le Fee, having delivered a man-of-the-match performance against Brentford.
Indeed, Le Bris will need all of his team on form if they are to come away from Selhurst Park with anything at all, given the quality of opposition.
However, the Wearsiders should be buoyed by their recent record at the Eagles’ home as they have won in their last three visits.
- 3 November 2014: Crystal Palace 1-3 Sunderland
- 23 November 2015: Crystal Palace 0-1 Sunderland
- 4 February 2017: Crystal Palace 0-4 Sunderland
If the Black Cats are victorious against Oliver Glasner’s side again, then it would be the first time in their history that they have won four successive games against the Eagles away from home.
Having first met in 1912, Palace have been the more successful side in the fixture, winning one more game than Sunderland.
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How can Regis Le Bris’ side beat Crystal Palace?
Glasner will be without two key players in Adam Wharton and Ismaila Sarr, which should be to Sunderland’s advantage.
Both have been in stellar form for the Eagles, meaning they will be a weaker side in their absences.
However, the Black Cats must focus on their own game, and they will need to execute their plan to perfection.
While the Wearsiders are famed for their counter-attacking play, they have shaded possession in their last two matches.
Despite that, they have shown how lethal they can be on the break, punishing West Ham and Brentford on the counter.
Le Bris’ backline will also need to be compact and cannot afford Jean-Philippe Mateta too many touches in the box.
Although they will be underdogs, the Wearsiders will be striving to make history in South East London.
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