Sunderland host Crystal Palace this afternoon while they aim to preserve their flawless unbeaten home record and climb back into the European conversation.
Régis Le Bris’s side has moved through a difficult winter period, proving their mettle by holding Manchester City and Tottenham to draws recently. While their away form has been patchy, the Stadium of Light has become a genuine fortress where they have yet to taste defeat in 10 attempts. Following a morale-boosting FA Cup win over Everton, the Black Cats will be eager to secure their first league victory of the new calendar year.
Sunderland Team News
Sunderland manage several significant absences due to the Africa Cup of Nations. While Noah Sadiki and Reinildo Mandava have returned and are available to start, Habib Diarra and Chemsdine Talbi remain unavailable until after Sunday’s final. Bertrand Traoré and Arthur Masuaku are both sidelined with knee and ankle injuries, respectively, sustained while on international duty.
Notably, star striker Brian Brobbey is fit to start despite being withdrawn as a precaution in the FA Cup. Robin Roefs—who saved three penalties in the shootout win over Everton—will continue in goal, protected by a settled central defensive pairing of Dan Ballard and Omar Alderete. Consequently, Le Bris is expected to stick with the 4-2-3-1 system that has made them so hard to beat at home, with Granit Xhaka and Sadiki providing the platform for Enzo Le Fée to create from midfield.
Sunderland Predicted Lineup
Sunderland Predicted XI: Roefs; Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Reinildo; Xhaka, Sadiki; Mayenda, Le Fee, Adingra; Brobbey
When will the match kick off?
The Premier League fixture takes place at the Stadium of Light on Saturday, 17 January 2026. Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00 GMT.
How to watch Sunderland vs Crystal Palace?
In the UK, the match will not be shown live on television due to the 3:00 PM blackout. Highlights will be available on Sunderland’s official YouTube channel from 10:00 PM GMT tonight.
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