Gus Poyet returns to Selhurst Park for the first time since his time in charge of Palace’s arch rivals Brighton in the Championship Playoffs back in May 2013. The last time these two sides met at Selhurst Park, different managers stood in dugouts as Ian Holloway and Paolo Di Canio were the men at the helm of the respective teams.
After much controversy, Palace found themselves with only a solitary point coming away from the Hawthorns. Referee Mark Clattenburg awarded the home side’s first goal even though defender Craig Dawson had fouled the Palace shot stopper elbowing him in the head. A decision not only to award the goal but to not send the player off, incensed Eagles boss Neil Warnock to question the FA’s stance on protecting players as Speroni was forced off with a suspected concussion.
Sunderland travel to south London looking to avenge a 3-1 defeat from last season and look to turn their recent abysmal form around. A record 8-0 defeat away at in form Southampton and a 2-0 defeat at home to Arsenal have seen the Black Cats drop down into relegation trouble.
Both teams pulled off amazing survival campaigns last season and will be hoping that such heroics are not necessary this season. Palace are without a win in 3 games. The win against Leicester was the last time The Eagles tasted victory whilst Sunderland last took maximum points away at Stoke City.
Team News
Crystal Palace
Club stalwart, Julian Speroni is a doubt for the game on Monday night, whilst James McArthur faces a late fitness test after missing the trip to the Midlands last week. Scott Dann should be fit again and Damien Delaney has served his 1 match ban for his two yellow cards against Chelsea, which will hopefully ease Neil Warnock’s defensive worries.
Sunderland
Out of form keeper Vito Mannone is set to be dropped after another poor performance gifted Arsenal their first goal last week. 34 year old Full back Anthony Réveillère should be included for his first start for Sunderland after receiving international clearance after his move from Napoli, Emanuele Giaccerinhi and Ricky Alvarez top a list of 4 casualties whilst defenders Billy Jones and Sebastian Coates are sidelined.
Analysis and Predictions
Prediction for Sunderland: 18th
Sunderland like Palace have had experience in yo-yoing between the Premier League and 1st Division, too many new players over 2 seasons seem to have caused Sunderland problems early on in the season as has been evident already. Experienced players like John O’Shea and Wes Brown should provide a spine for a talented outfit however with no stability or settled XI Gus Poyet may find that last season’s great escape not so easy to come by this year. Leicester and QPR have shown a lot of fight since returning to the top flight which leaves little hope for Sunderland to survive this time round.
EPL Index prediction: Home Win
Sky Sports’ pundit Paul Merson prediction: Home Win
My prediction: Home win
