PREVIEW: Sunderland look to continue dream home run against Crystal Palace | OneFootball

Sunderland aim to build on their crucial home form in Crystal Palace’s visit to the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

The Black Cats’ five wins and draws on their own turf has catapulted them to seventh, with numerous absentees in their 3-0 loss to high-flying Brentford back from the African Cup of Nations.

Crystal Palace’s momentum has stalled of late, with only one win in six league games, and are likely still hurting from their record-breaking FA Cup exit at the hands of non-league Macclesfield.

It’s been a dream season for Sunderland in their first season in the Premier League since 2017 on their return to the Premier League for the first time since 2017, their unbeaten start at home the catalyst of their success.

Also paramount to where they are now is the tactical pragmatism of manager Régis Le Bris and the tenacity of club captain Granit Xhaka.

The Sunderland boss has stressed the importance of togetherness in what was always going to be a challenging season, but Sunderland have answered that call emphatically since their 3-0 victory over West Ham on the opening day.

Winger Bertrand Traoré and full-back Arthur Masuaku have both returned from international duty carrying injuries, and their side remain without record-signing Habib Diarra and Chemsdine Talbi facing off in the final of AFCON on Sunday.

However, Le Bris confirmed that talisman Bryan Brobbey and Brazilian full-back Reinildo are both fit for the weekend.

Their opponents have been immense under Oliver Glasner in the last few seasons which ended up with the Eagles winning their first major trophy in their history when they lifted the FA Cup last season.

Although recent results have left much to be desired, Palace still remain a massive threat all across the park.

They’ve been a much harder side to beat this season, boasting an almost identical goals scored-to-conceded ratio to their North Eastern hosts and also posses a strong, cohesive defensive unit which will make Saturday’s game an interesting matchup.

Midfielders Daichi Kamada and Cheick Doucouré both remain out with thigh injuries, and impressive wing-back Daniel Muñoz is expected to be out for another month with a groin issue.

Ismaila Sarr is still considered to be too far away from fitness to feature, with Glasner unable to offer a return date for English striker Eddie Nketiah.

As for Palace, their injury troubles are mounting once again as midfielder Daichi Kamada and Cheick Docoure both remain out with individual thigh injuries.

Impressive winger Daniel Munoz is expected to be out for at least another month with a groin issue and winger Ismaila Sarr is still too far away to feature.

Glasner was unable to offer a return date for English striker Eddie Nketiah.

The match gets underway at 3pm on Saturday.

Potential Line-Ups