Crystal Palace – Sunderland

Crystal Palace host Sunderland in what promises to be a clash of contrasting fortunes, with the Eagles sitting 16th on three points after a solitary win and three defeats, their goal‑difference a worrying –8. Sunderland, occupying 14th with four points from one win, one draw and two losses, sit a shade better off with a –2 margin after scoring three and conceding five. The two sides have already exchanged a narrow slice of the table, and a positive result could see Palace climb out of the relegation zone while Sunderland looks to consolidate a tentative grip on mid‑table safety. Both teams will be desperate to turn their scant points into momentum as the season gathers pace.