Match Overview

Sunderland host Crystal Palace at the Stadium of Light in a Premier League matchup that pits a controlled home side against a Palace team looking for consistency on the road. Sunderland sit mid-table and have kept most contests tight, with results often decided by small margins. Palace have mixed away form but possess a strong defensive record in select outings. Their last league meeting finished 0-0, hinting at another close encounter.

• Fixture: Sunderland vs Crystal Palace
• Competition: Premier League
• Venue: Stadium of Light
• Date: 17-01-2026
• Kickoff: 15:00 GMT / 15:00 UTC

Predicted Lineups

Sunderland

• R. Roefs
• T. Hume
• N. Mukiele
• O. Alderete
• D. Ballard
• G. Xhaka
• E. Le Fee
• N. Sadiki
• C. Rigg
• B. Brobbey
• S. Adingra

Crystal Palace

• D. Henderson
• M. Lacroix
• T. Mitchell
• M. Guéhi
• C. Richards
• A. Wharton
• D. Kamada
• J. Devenny
• W. Hughes
• J. Mateta
• Yeremy Pino

Injury & Suspension Report

Sunderland

• A. Masuaku – Ankle Injury
• C. Talbi – International duty
• H. Diarra – International duty
• B. Traore – Knee Injury

Crystal Palace

• N. Clyne – Muscle Injury
• J. Lerma – Head Injury
• E. Nketiah – Thigh Injury
• D. Muñoz – Knee Injury
• Caleb Kporha – Back Injury
• C. Riad – Lacking Match Fitness
• Rio Cardines – Muscle Injury
• C. Doucouré – Knee Injury
• D. Kamada – Hamstring Injury
• I. Sarr – International duty

Head-to-Head

Recent meetings have been tight, with the last clash ending 0-0. Across 28 encounters, Sunderland lead the series with 13 wins to Palace’s 9, alongside 6 draws. The trend points to disciplined defenses and limited chances.

Match Analysis & Prediction

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Sunderland’s profile at home suggests control and structure. They have scored seven in their last five at the Stadium of Light, generally preferring patient build-up. Their league record of seven wins, nine draws, and five losses after 21 games indicates a team that keeps matches close and relies on concentration in key phases. With experienced midfield figures available, they will look to manage tempo and reduce transition risks.

Palace on the road

Crystal Palace enter with two wins and three losses from their last five away fixtures, scoring seven in that stretch. Against similarly ranked sides this season they have tended to sit in balanced games, averaging one goal scored and 1.5 conceded. Their approach away from home often depends on structure and counter-attacking moments, with forwards looking to exploit space when turnovers occur.

Dean Henderson’s away record

Dean Henderson has been central to Palace’s resilience, posting 10 clean sheets in 16 away matches this season. That platform allows Palace to keep games within reach even when chance creation ebbs. If Palace can protect the box and limit clear looks, they can frustrate a Sunderland side that prefers to build rather than rush attacks.

Key tactical notes

The previous 0-0 draw between these teams underlines a mutual respect and cautious setup. Sunderland’s measured possession against Palace’s compact shape points to a low-event first half, with set-pieces and isolated transitions carrying outsized importance. Sunderland’s home stability versus Palace’s sporadic but capable away form makes a narrow margin likely. If Sunderland can sustain pressure without overcommitting, they gain a slight edge; if Palace absorb and break cleanly, they can claim a result.

Prediction: Sunderland 1-1 Crystal Palace.