Crystal Palace vs Sunderland preview: Sam Allardyce hoping to kick-start revival on trip to Selhurst Park

A look ahead to this week’s Premier League match at Selhurst Park

Crystal Palace midfielder Yohan Cabaye (Getty Images)

It’s a big game for…

JERMAIN DEFOE: Even though the striker is Sunderland’s top goal scorer in all competitions this season, chipping in with six goals (three in the League Cup), Defoe has had to deal with Steven Fletcher occupying the main striking position. Awarded his first start in the 6-2 drubbing defeat against Everton, in which he and Fletcher both scored, Defoe may have to play in a wide role once again. The 33 year old has been outspoken in his desire to play more often, and if he can help the Black Cats against Palace, he may be playing a bigger role in Sunderland’s quest to stay up once again.

Key stats…

• Sunderland have failed to name an unchanged starting XI in the Premier League since May 2014
• The Black Cats have lost 83% of their away games, and have conceded at least one goal in every away match
• 71% of Crystal Palace's goals have been scored in the second half
• Sunderland have conceded the opening goal in 75% of their games
• 63% of Crystal Palace's points have been earned away

Remember when…

These two sides met in the second leg of the First Division play-offs in the 2003/04 season. Sunderland were trailing 3-2 after the first match, and were winning 2-0 until a 92nd minute Darren Powell header meant the match would be going into extra time as scores were level at 4-4 .

The match ended up going to penalties where the Eagles were victorious, they then beat West Ham United in the final to be promoted to the Premier League.

Player to watch…

YOHAN CABAYE: One of the signings of the season, the French international has blossomed at Crystal Palace and has been the heartbeat of his side. No other central midfielder has scored more than Cabaye’s four goals so far in the league. Always aware of teammates around him, the 29 year old possesses great vision and is a tough tackler in the middle of the pitch. A dead ball specialist, the Eagles always have a chance when their record signing is playing.

Past three meetings…

Sunderland 1 (Wickham) Crystal Palace 4 (Murray, Bolasie 3)
Barclays Premier League, April 2015

Crystal Palace 1 (Brown OG) Sunderland 3 (Fletcher 2, Gomez)
Barclays Premier League, November 2014

Sunderland 0 Crystal Palace 0
Barclays Premier League, March 2014

Form guide…

Crystal Palace: WDLLLW

Sunderland: LLWLDL

Vital information…

Kick-off time: 20.00pm, Monday 23 November

TV: Sky Sports 1 HD, coverage starts from 19.00pm