Crystal Palace vs Sunderland | Football Previews & Free Betting Tips | 13th September 2025
Crystal Palace vs Sunderland at Selhurst Park is a proper early-season measuring stick. Palace have quietly stitched together a long unbeaten league run, while newly promoted Sunderland arrive with momentum from the back end of the Championship and a composed start at the higher level. The noise in SE25 will be full-throttle, with a sizeable travelling support adding edge.
Expect Palace in a 4-2-3-1 that presses in bursts and looks to feed a physical centre-forward, with runners off the flanks. Sunderland are comfortable toggling between a 4-3-3 and a compact 4-2-3-1, keen to counter quickly and work the wide overloads. On paper: Palace’s territory and set-plays versus Sunderland’s transitions and neat combinations through midfield.
Crystal Palace
- Out / major doubts: Adam Wharton (muscle), Ismaïla Sarr (hamstring), Caleb Kporha (back), Chadi Riad (knee), Cheick Doucouré (knee), Eddie Nketiah (hamstring).
- Should be available: Marc Guéhi (groin, expected to make it).
- Likely roles: Dean Henderson between the sticks; Marc Guéhi to marshal the line with pace cover; Jefferson Lerma the enforcer in midfield; craft from Daichi Kamada in the pocket; Jean-Philippe Mateta the focal point with service from the right.
Sunderland
- Out / major doubts: Dan Ballard (groin, touch-and-go), Romaine Mundle (hamstring), Leo Hjelde (Achilles). Dennis Cirkin (wrist) expected back soon after the break.
- Available core: Anthony Patterson in goal; reliable outlets in Trai Hume and the midfield pairing of Dan Neil with a progressive eight; teenage schemer Chris Rigg offers spark between the lines; options at nine led by a mobile front man to press and spin in behind.
Crystal Palace (last 10, all comps): 6–3–1, goals for 18, against 11, with 3 clean sheets. They’ve been strong after the break (60% of goals in second halves) and carry a steady set-piece threat.
Sunderland (last 10, all comps): 7–2–1, goals for 17, against 10, 4 clean sheets. Their away results have been punchy, built on compact defensive work and quick release down the wings.
| Metric | Crystal Palace | Sunderland |
|---|---|---|
| Average goals scored per match | 1.8 | 1.7 |
| Average goals conceded per match | 1.1 | 1.0 |
| Clean sheet rate (last 10) | 30% (3/10) | 40% (4/10) |
| Average possession | 52% | 48% |
| Corners won per match | 5.4 | 5.1 |
| Shots / on target per match | 12.7 / 4.9 | 11.9 / 4.5 |
| Expected goals per match | 1.6 | 1.5 |
| Set-piece goals for / against | 0.4 / 0.3 | 0.5 / 0.3 |
| Pass completion | 83% | 81% |
| Tackles / interceptions | 18.5 / 9.2 | 17.8 / 8.9 |
| Points per match (current season context) | 2.0 | 1.9 |
1.8 / 1.1
1.7 / 1.0
30%
40%
52% / 5.4
48% / 5.1
83% / 18.5 T, 9.2 INT
81% / 17.8 T, 8.9 INT
1.6 xG / 0.4 SPG
1.5 xG / 0.5 SPG
Crystal Palace at Selhurst (last 10)
Win rate: roughly one in two, with a tendency to grind out results when scoring first. Clean sheets: around three from the last ten. Palace often impose territory, then strike from crosses and second phases.
Sunderland away (last 10)
Win rate: a shade above 40%, aided by compact mid-block discipline. Goals: about one and a half scored per trip, one conceded on average. They’re dangerous on the counter, particularly when full-backs are drawn high.
Goals Against
Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace)
In form and difficult to move when he pins centre-backs. Palace’s wide service and second balls often revolve around his hold-up and penalty-box instincts.
Dan Neil (Sunderland)
Sets the rhythm of Sunderland’s counters and links play into the channels. If he finds early passes around Palace’s double pivot, the visitors will create.
Prediction: Crystal Palace 2–1 Sunderland. Palace’s recent league form, home advantage and set-piece edge nudge this their way, though Sunderland’s counter threat means it should stay lively right to the finish.
Main pick: Crystal Palace to win — superior recent league returns and a strong Selhurst platform, with chances from crosses and restarts.
Value angle: Both Teams Over 0.5 Goals (Palace & Sunderland) — Palace usually find a way at home, Sunderland carry enough away punch to land one.
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