Intro

Selhurst Park sets the stage on Saturday, September 13, 2025, as Crystal Palace host newly promoted Sunderland. Oliver Glasner’s Palace are flying high after last season’s FA Cup triumph and a strong start to the campaign, while Régis Le Bris’ Sunderland look to prove they can translate their impressive home form into away success.

Form & Context

Crystal Palace’s Rise Under Glasner
Since Oliver Glasner’s appointment in February 2024, Palace have thrived with a compact, pressing system and fluid attacking transitions. Last season ended with a surge to 10th place, capped by an FA Cup win and Community Shield success.

In 2025/26, Palace remain unbeaten in their first three Premier League matches: a goalless draw at Chelsea, a 1-1 against Nottingham Forest, and a statement 3-0 victory away to Aston Villa. Their defensive stability remains a hallmark, conceding just seven goals in their last eight league games, while Selhurst Park has become a fortress with an unbeaten run of seven league matches at home.

Sunderland’s Return
Back in the Premier League after eight years, Sunderland have made a promising start: two home wins (3-0 vs West Ham, 2-1 vs Brentford) and one away defeat leave them 6th after three rounds. Their home strength mirrors their Championship promotion push, but away form remains a concern — one loss from one road match this season and a historically weaker return on their travels.

New signings such as Brian Brobbey, Lutsharel Geertruida, Bertrand Traore, and Granit Xhaka have bolstered the squad, and defender Omar Alderete has settled quickly. The challenge now is to replicate Stadium of Light performances on away grounds.

External Factors

• Palace: Riding momentum from silverware and unbeaten league form, but navigating a growing injury list.
• Sunderland: Confidence high at home, but question marks persist about travel resilience at Premier League level.

Team News & Key Players

Crystal Palace:

• Out: Adam Wharton (adductor, 3 weeks), Ismaila Sarr (hamstring, several weeks), Cheick Doucoure (knee), Eddie Nketiah (thigh), Chadi Riad (ACL, October/November return).
• Doubtful: Yeremy Pino (new signing, fitness to be assessed).
• Key Player: Jean-Philippe Mateta – consistent scoring threat under Glasner.

Sunderland:

• Out: Dennis Cirkin (wrist/knee), Leo Hjelde (Achilles), Aji Alese (long-term).
• Out for Palace trip: Dan Ballard, Luke O’Nien.
• Doubtful: Bertrand Traore (fitness), Brian Brobbey and Lutsharel Geertruida (available but may lack 90-min fitness).
• Key Player: Wilson Isidor – leading scorer so far this season.

Head-to-Head Record

• Palace unbeaten in their last seven league games at Selhurst Park.
• Sunderland chasing their first away points of the new Premier League campaign.

Betting Angles

• Palace Win + Under 3.5 Goals: At 11/10, reflects Palace’s defensive solidity.
• First Goalscorer: Jean-Philippe Mateta 7/2 favourite.
• Prop Bets: Under 10.5 corners (Palace have forced only 4 in three games).
• Both Teams to Score: Offered at evens, but Sunderland’s away goal drought suggests “No” may be stronger.

Potential Outcome

Palace’s injury problems are significant, yet Glasner’s tactical structure and strong home record suggest they can still edge this encounter. Sunderland must prove they can perform outside the Stadium of Light, but Selhurst Park is a daunting test. Expect Palace to dictate, with a disciplined, lower-scoring victory the most probable outcome.