FA Cup and Community Shield holders Crystal Palace welcome newly-promoted Sunderland to Selhurst Park, with Nigerian international Christantus Uche set to make his debut since his move on transfer deadline day.
Ayomide Oguntimehin provides the lowdown for the September 13th clash.
Crystal Palace vs Sunderland Match Preview
Crystal Palace have picked up from where they ended the 2024/25 season and are one of the three unbeaten teams left in the English Premier League this season. They were demoted to the UEFA Conference League playoffs due to multiple ownership rules involving French side Olympique Lyon, but defeated Denmark opponents Fredrikstad to reach the group stages of the competition.
They picked up an impressive point away at Chelsea in their opening match, before another draw at home to Nottingham Forest in their second league match. The Eagles recorded an impressive 3-0 result over Aston Villa in their third match to keep their unbeaten run intact.
Sunderland, on the other hand, have made a bright start since returning to the English top-flight after an eight-year absence. They defeated Sheffield United 2-1 in the Championship playoff final and have invested massively in the squad this summer with several high-profile arrivals.
The Black Cats began the league campaign with a stunning 3-0 victory over West Ham United, but were defeated 2-0 by Burnley, who also returned to the league this season, in their second league outing. They produced a late fightback to come from a goal down and secure a 2-1 victory over Brentford on Matchday 3 and are up to sixth on the league standings after a promising start.
Crystal Palace vs Sunderland Head-to-Head Record (Last five meetings)
- 04.02.2017 – Crystal Palace 0-4 Sunderland
- 24.09.2016 – Sunderland 2-3 Crystal Palace
- 01.03.2016 – Sunderland 2-2 Crystal Palace
- 23.11.2015 – Crystal Palace 0-1 Sunderland
- 11.04.2015 – Sunderland 1-4 Crystal Palace
There has been very little to separate both of these sides in recent meetings, with two wins apiece and a draw in their last five meetings. Sunderland are unbeaten in their last three trips to Selhurst Park while the last five matches has also seen an average of 3.8 goals scored per game.
Recent Form: Crystal Palace
Crystal Palace’s recent form has been very impressive, and they are unbeaten in their last six matches in all competitions, including tough games against Liverpool, Chelsea and Nottingham Forest.
The Eagles are currently unbeaten in their last seven home matches in the league, dating back to last season and have kept four clean sheets in their last five outings in all competitions.
An appreciation post for all the support you give us week in, week out ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/xRiijRyipM
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) September 3, 2025
Recent Form: Sunderland
Sunderland have been relatively inconsistent, with two wins from their last five matches.
They have however won two of their three games since returning to the top-flight of English football, although they are yet to keep a clean sheet since the opening day thrashing of West Ham United.
Player to Watch: Christantus Uche (Crystal Palace)
The versatile Nigerian international Christantus Uche is expected to make his debut and is an identical replacement for Eberechi Eze, who moved to London rivals Arsenal.
The Eagles will look to make use of Uche’s trickery and pace to exploit the Sunderland defence and get a favourable result from the match.
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Best Betting Odds
Over 1.5 Goals – 1.31 (via1xBet)
Prediction
This encounter has a history of producing multiple goals, with an average of 3.8 goals scored in the last five encounters. This particular clash is expected to follow suit, making it a sure bet for more than two goals.
