
The Football Faithful
·13. September 2025
Sunderland XI vs Crystal Palace – Predicted lineup and team news

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Yahoo sportsThe Football Faithful
·13. September 2025
Sunderland’s impressive start to life back in the Premier League faces its sternest test yet with a trip to Selhurst Park on Saturday.
The Black Cats have defied expectations by winning two of their first three matches, but now face in-form Crystal Palace.
The challenge is magnified by a crippling injury crisis, particularly in defence, which will force manager Régis Le Bris to field a makeshift backline against the high-pressing Eagles.
A severe defensive injury crisis has hampered Sunderland’s preparations. Specifically, Régis Le Bris will be without centre-back Daniel Ballard. He also loses the services of versatile defenders Luke O’Nien, Dennis Cirkin, Aji Alese, and Leo Fuhr Hjelde.
As a result, the squad is stretched to its limits, which will almost certainly force a patched-together back four of Lutsharel Geertruida, Nordi Mukiele, Omar Alderete, and Reinildo into action.
To compensate for these defensive frailties, Sunderland’s midfield must play a crucial role. The experience of captain Granit Xhaka will be vital for shielding the backline and controlling the tempo.
Meanwhile, in attack, the team will rely on its proven second-half threat. While a starting role may come too soon for super-sub Wilson Isidor, he nevertheless provides a major weapon from the bench. He has already scored two league goals this season without starting a single match, highlighting his potential impact.
Sunderland predicted XI: Roefs; Geertruida, Mukiele, Alderete, Reinildo; Diarra, Xhaka, Sadiki; Talbi, Mayenda, Adingra.
The Premier League fixture will be played at Selhurst Park on Saturday, 13 September 2025, with kick-off scheduled for 3 pm BST.
The match will not be broadcast live in the UK due to the Saturday blackout. Live text and in-game updates available via BBC Sport.