Sunderland return to the Stadium of Light on Saturday looking to rediscover a winning touch in the Premier League after a frustrating run of results.
Sunderland v Crystal Palace will not be shown live in the UK due to the 3pm blackout rule. The fixture will also not be available to stream live for UK audiences.
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Since their 1-0 victory over fierce rivals Newcastle just over a month ago, the Black Cats have gone five league matches without a win, drawing four and losing one.
That poor run of recent form has isrupted their chaege up the table, though there have been positives away from league action.
Sunderland come into this fixture buoyed by knocking Everton out of the FA Cup on penalties last weekend, a result that would have appeased fans for a while at least.
Home form continues to be a major strength.
Sunderland are one of only two sides, alongside Arsenal, who remain unbeaten at home in the Premier League this season. Their record at the Stadium of Light stands at five wins and five draws, a platform that has played a huge role in keeping them competitive.
There could also be a timely boost in terms of personnel. Several players are expected to return from Africa Cup of Nations duty, adding depth and energy at a crucial point in the campaign as Sunderland look to turn draws into victories.
The reverse fixture back in September ended goalless, a result that suited Sunderland more than Crystal Palace on the day. That stalemate means the Black Cats have suffered just one defeat in the last five meetings between the two sides, a run that offers quiet encouragement ahead of this contest.
Crystal Palace arrive on Wearside in need of a response after a difficult spell. Oliver Glasner’s side have gone eight games without a win in all competitions, a run that has drained confidence and increased pressure on the Austrian head coach.
That pressure intensified dramatically in the FA Cup last weekend.
As holders, Palace were expected to cruise past sixth tier Macclesfield, only to suffer a shocking 2-1 defeat that ranks among the biggest upsets in the competition’s long history.
The result exposed the fragile state of the Eagles and left Glasner demanding an improvement today.
League form has been equally concerning, with Palace struggling to create and convert chances. Both sides sit inside the bottom three for goals scored per game in the Premier League, suggesting Saturday’s meeting may be low on attacking fluency and high on tension.
With Sunderland searching for a win to halt a draw heavy run and Crystal Palace desperate to stop the slide, caution is likely to shape the contest. Neither side can afford another setback, which points towards a pretty close game, with probably a single goal seperating the sides.
