Sunderland vs Crystal Palace prediction, head-to-head and probable lineups - 17 January 2026
One of the matches of the 22nd round of the Premier League will be played on Saturday at the Stadium of Light in Sunderland, where the local team Sunderland will host Crystal Palace. I suggest a bet on the outcome of this clash, which offers good chances for success.
Match preview
Régis Le Bris’ side have been a model of consistency at home - the Stadium of Light remains an unbreachable fortress: 10 Premier League matches unbeaten (5 wins and 5 draws). Despite a tough run in the league - five games without a win and a lack of goals - the Black Cats are still in the top ten and remain in the hunt for a European spot.
Set pieces have been a major weapon, accounting for 38% of their goals this season. Reinforcements have already started to arrive: Noah Sadiki and Reinildo Mandava are back, while Brian Brobbey has avoided a serious injury and is fit to lead the attack again.
The Eagles are in crisis - nine matches without a win in all competitions, including a humiliating FA Cup exit at the hands of sixth-tier Macclesfield. Oliver Glasner’s men look disjointed: poor finishing, defensive lapses, and a severe injury crisis with a long list of absentees.
The absence of several key players, coupled with Jean-Philippe Mateta’s questionable form - just one goal in his last eight league appearances - offers little hope. Crystal Palace have collected just two points from their last six Premier League games and failed to score in their last two matches.
Probable lineups
- Sunderland: Röfs, Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Reinildo, Xhaka, Sadiki, Mayenda, Le Fée, Adingra, Brobbey
- Crystal Palace: Henderson, Richards, Lacroix, Guehi, Devenny, Wharton, Hughes, Mitchell, Johnson, Pino, Mateta
Match facts and head-to-head
- Crystal Palace are unbeaten against Sunderland in the Premier League for eight consecutive matches (5 wins, 3 draws)
- Sunderland are unbeaten at home in the Premier League this season (10 matches, 5 wins, 5 draws)
- 38% of Sunderland’s goals this season have come from set pieces - the second-highest rate in the league
Prediction
Despite facing a traditionally tricky opponent, Sunderland have every chance to end their winless run in the Premier League. The team plays cohesively at home and consistently finds ways to pick up points, especially against unstable sides. Crystal Palace are in disarray, struggling to score, vulnerable on set pieces, and their squad crisis only deepens their problems.
