The Stadium of Light hosts a fascinating tactical battle today as Sunderland aim to protect their formidable home status against a Crystal Palace side desperate to reclaim their identity.
Following a historic FA Cup exit at the hands of non-league Macclesfield, Oliver Glasner’s men make the long trip north seeking to snap a nine-game winless run in all competitions. For the Black Cats, who progressed in the cup via a penalty shootout against Everton, the objective is to translate their cup resilience into a first league victory of 2026 and protect a home record that has seen them remain unbeaten on Wearside since their promotion.
Sunderland vs Crystal Palace – Match Preview and Team News
- Date: Saturday, 17 January 2026
- Kick-off: 15:00 GMT
- Venue: Stadium of Light, Sunderland
- Referee: Robert Jones
- VAR: Peter Bankes
- Last Meeting: Crystal Palace 0–0 Sunderland, 13 Sept 2025, Premier League
Team News
Sunderland
Régis Le Bris remains without Habib Diarra (Senegal) and Chemsdine Talbi (Morocco), who will face each other in Sunday’s AFCON final. The hosts have also been hit by injuries to Arthur Masuaku (ankle) and Bertrand Traoré (knee), both of whom are expected to be sidelined for up to six weeks. However, the Black Cats are bolstered by the return of Reinildo Mandava and Noah Sadiki from international duty. Striker Brian Brobbey is “okay” and expected to lead the line despite a minor hamstring scare last weekend.
Crystal Palace
The Eagles are boosted by the return of Jefferson Lerma, who has cleared concussion protocols. In a major boost to squad depth, defender Chadi Riad will be included in the matchday squad for the first time in a year after recovering from a knee injury. However, Ismaila Sarr remains away on AFCON duty with finalists Senegal. A lengthy injury list includes Daniel Munoz, Eddie Nketiah, and Daichi Kamada, while captain Marc Guéhi is confirmed to miss out as he nears a high-profile transfer to Manchester City.
Form
Sunderland
The Black Cats remain a formidable prospect at home, where they are unbeaten in 10 Premier League matches this season (W5 D5). Notably, only seven newly promoted sides in English top-flight history have enjoyed a longer unbeaten start to a campaign on home soil. However, league goals have been scarce recently; since early December, Sunderland have recorded the lowest xG total (6.6) in the division.
Crystal Palace
Palace arrive on a dismal run, collecting just two points from their last six Premier League outings. They are currently without a goal in their last two top-flight matches and are winless in nine games across all competitions. Furthermore, defensive frailties have plagued the Eagles, particularly from set pieces, having conceded 12 goals from dead-ball situations this term.
Predicted Lineups
Sunderland Predicted XI: Roefs; Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Reinildo; Xhaka, Sadiki; Mayenda, Le Fee, Adingra; Brobbey
Crystal Palace Predicted XI: Henderson; Richards, Lacroix, Canvot; Devenny, Wharton, Hughes, Mitchell; Johnson, Pino; Mateta
How to watch Sunderland vs Crystal Palace?
Due to the traditional Saturday 3:00 PM blackout, the match will not air live in the UK. Fans can follow live updates via the Official Crystal Palace App, with full highlights available on Match of the Day on BBC One at 22:30 GMT.
Read more- Three Crystal Palace players Oliver Glasner could potentially take to Man United
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