Premier League: Crystal Palace v Sunderland match preview

A look ahead to this weekend's Premier League fixture at Selhurst Park

Crystal Palace manager Ian Holloway (GETTY IMAGES)

Crystal Palace have endured a difficult start to life in the Premier League. The Eagles are joint bottom of the league following losses at home to Tottenham and away at Stoke City. They took their poor form into the Capital One Cup also as they were beaten 2-1 by Bristol City. Ian Holloway will be hoping to relieve the pressure with a victory this weekend.

Sunderland lost their opening league fixture at home to Fulham. An away draw and a victory over MK Dons in the League Cup however may suggest that a team full of new faces just needs time to gel.

KICK-OFF: Saturday, 5.30pm

PAST THREE MEETINGS…

Sunderland 0 Crystal Palace 0, Championship, January 2007

Crystal Palace 1 Sunderland 0, Championship, December 2006

Sunderland 2 Crystal Palace 1, FA Cup, January 2005

STATS…

In 28 League encounters, Palace have won 10, whilst Sunderland have won 9.

Glenn Murray was Palace’s top scorer last season with 31 goals in 48 games.

Sunderland lost 11 out of a possible 18 away games last season, winning five.

ODDS…

Crystal Palace to win: 2.50
Sunderland to win: 2.80
Draw: 3.25

CLASSIC MATCH…

Crystal Palace 3 Sunderland 2 (Friday, May 14th, 2004)

In the first leg of the 2003/2004 Division One play-off (now the Championship play-off), the first leg ended in a 3-2 victory for Palace. However, with a 2-1 home win in the second leg, Sunderland went through on away goals. After a goalless first half, the game came to life and the teams traded blows. Eventually Andy Johnson grabbed the winner and should have even had a fourth in the dying minutes.

TV: Live match shown on Sky Sports 1 & Sky Sports 1 HD at 17.30.  Highlights on BBC One at 22.20, Saturday (Match of the Day), and BBC One at 22.25, Sunday (Match of the Day 2)