Unbeaten Palace Eye Another Home Win Over Sunderland

 Crystal Palace are enjoying a strong start to the Premier League season and will look to continue their momentum at home against Sunderland. The Eagles are unbeaten in their last three matches, sitting comfortably in the league mid-table. Sunderland, meanwhile, have shown flashes of promise but have been inconsistent, particularly away from home. The clash at Selhurst Park on Saturday, 13 September 2025, at 15:00 BST promises an intriguing battle.

Recent Form
Crystal Palace have been solid, with a 3-0 win over Aston Villa highlighting their attacking threat. Draws against Nottingham Forest (1-1) and Chelsea (0-0) show they can hold their own against tough opposition. At home, they will look to control possession and exploit Sunderland’s defensive weaknesses, aiming to maintain their unbeaten streak.

Sunderland’s season so far has been mixed. The Black Cats have won their home games convincingly, beating Brentford 2-1 and West Ham 3-0, but their away form has faltered, including a 0-2 loss at Burnley. For this trip to Selhurst Park, they will need discipline in defence and precision on the counter to trouble Crystal Palace.

Head-to-Head History
Recent meetings between these sides have been competitive. Crystal Palace and Sunderland have both claimed two wins each and shared a draw in their last five encounters. Goals have often featured, making this a fixture with plenty of attacking promise. The last meeting in 2017 ended in a 0-4 defeat for Palace, but they have since improved their consistency in this matchup.

Team News & Injury Report
Crystal Palace will be without Chadi Riad, Eddie Nketiah, and Cheick Doucouré. Doubts remain over Adam Wharton, Ismaïla Sarr, and Caleb Kporha. Key responsibility will fall on Jean-Philippe Mateta to lead the attack and break down Sunderland’s defence.

Sunderland are missing Daniel Ballard and Romaine Mundle, with several players including Aji Alese, Leo Hjelde, Luke O’Nien, and Dennis Cirkin doubts. Midfield leader Granit Xhaka will be crucial to drive play and support the forwards Mayenda and Talbi.

Lineups & Tactical Setup
Crystal Palace (3-4-2-1): Henderson – Muñoz, Mitchell, Lacroix – Guéhi, Richards, Pino, Kamada – Hughes, Wharton – Mateta
Palace will aim to control the midfield through Kamada, Hughes, and Wharton, feeding Mateta up front while Guéhi and Lacroix anchor the defence.

Sunderland (4-3-3): Roefs – Alderete, Mandava, Hume, Mukiele – Diarra, Xhaka, Sadiki – Fée, Talbi, Mayenda
Sunderland will look to Xhaka for control in midfield and quick transitions to Talbi and Mayenda. Alderete and Mandava will be key to containing Palace’s front line.

Key Battles & Players to Watch

• Will Hughes vs Granit Xhaka: The midfield battle could dictate possession and tempo.
  
• Jean-Philippe Mateta vs Omar Alderete: Mateta’s pace and finishing will be tested against Alderete’s defensive strength.
  
• Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace): Likely to be Palace’s main attacking threat, capable of breaking defensive lines.
  
• Granit Xhaka (Sunderland): His experience and ability to control play may provide the platform for Sunderland to challenge Palace.
  

Pre-Match Snapshot

• Fixture: Crystal Palace vs Sunderland
  
• Date & Time: Saturday, 13 September 2025, 15:00 BST
  
• Venue: Selhurst Park
  

Prediction
Crystal Palace are expected to edge this one with home advantage and attacking quality. A 2-1 victory looks likely, with Mateta and Hughes key to unlocking Sunderland’s defence. Sunderland may create chances on the counter through Xhaka and Talbi, but Palace should have just enough to maintain their unbeaten run.