Crystal Palace missed their chance to stretch their unbeaten streak to five games in all competitions as they were shrugged off by Southampton in the League Cup. The Saints saw off the Eagles convincingly with a 2-0 scoreline. Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew will be keen to bring his side back to winning ways when they travel to the Stadium of Light to face struggling Sunderland.
With three wins and a draw in their last four Premier League fixtures, Crystal Palace are sitting eighth and a win against the Black Cats will see them keep up their dream run. Sunderland are yet to win their first game of the season in the Premier League and will be the underdogs against Palace. David Moyes’ side managed to get a win in the third round of the League Cup in the midweek as the Black Cats defeated QPR 2-1.
With just one point collected from five games, Sunderland need to improve and they have to do it really soon. However, there is no room for complacency for the Eagles. Here is the predicted Crystal Palace line-up against Sunderland.
Defence
Steve Mandanda is likely to make his way back to the starting XI in place of Wayne Hennessey who started in the League Cup against Southampton. Joel Ward is likely to continue in the right-back position. Both James Tomkins and Scott Dann are doubtful for the game putting, Alan Pardew is a serious trouble. Martin Kelly is likely to ply his trade at the heart of the defence alongside Damien Delaney. Zeki Fryers is likely to start in the left-back position with Pape Souare on a long-term injury list after his accident.
Midfield
James McArthur is likely to continue in defensive midfield. With the Scotsman playing at the base of midfield, Welsh international Joe Ledley and Frenchman Yohan Cabaye are likely to start as the two box to box midfielders. Cabaye, a key player for the Eagles, had to deal with a number of injury troubles from the very start of the season but made his comeback in the midweek against Southampton playing throughout the 90 minutes. The creative midfielder’s return is a big boost for Alan Pardew.
Attack
Both Wilfred Zaha and Andros Townsend have done really well for the Eagles this season and will keep their respective places on the flanks. Christian Benteke will start up front and will be looking for his second Premier League goal this season.
