Impressive Crystal Palace stat could lead Sunderland to exploit emerging weakness
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(Credit: Hasan Karim - Breaking Media)
Edward Bazeley
Thu 11 September 2025 17:43, UK
Sunderland can use their counter-attacking style of play to their advantage to combat Crystal Palace’s press.
After enduring draws with both Chelsea and Nottingham Forest, Palace defeated Aston Villa 3-0 in their last Premier League game on 31 August.
Meanwhile, Sunderland have re-adjusted to the top flight well, with wins over West Ham United and Brentford either side of their defeat to Burnley.
When they face Crystal Palace on Saturday, 13 September, the Black Cats will have to cope without one of their former strikers, after Marc Guiu returned to Chelsea following a brief loan stint in the North East.
Credit: Imago
After enjoying a largely successful summer window, Sunderland will be able to spend once again in January, with no PSR concerns.
For now, though, the Wearside club have their eyes firmly set on Saturday’s trip to London, where they face Oliver Glasner’s men.
The Eagles have made the most high-intensity pressures to opponents in the Premier League this term, with Ismaila Sarr making the joint-most of any player.
Meanwhile, Nottingham Forest, who played counter-attacking football under former boss Nuno Espirito Santo, caused Palace plenty of problems in last month’s 1-1 draw at Selhurst Park.
Credit: Imago
Sunderland’s ambitious transfer activity proves that the Stadium of Light club are determined to establish themselves in the Premier League, and end the recent trend of newly promoted sides suffering an immediate promotion back to the Championship.
Sunderland fixtures2025/2613/09Crystal Palace (A)21/09Aston Villa (H)27/09Nottingham Forest (A)Sunderland face Aston Villa next
The Black Cats’ strong record of two wins in three top-flight games so far this term indicates that they have what it takes to remain in the top flight.
However, Sunderland’s defeat at Burnley last month could indicate that Le Bris’ men may struggle to earn points away from home this season.
To put those concerns to rest, the Mackems can defeat Palace at Selhurst Park on 13 September, before hosting Aston Villa in their third home game of the season on 21 September.
The Black Cats are set for a long season up ahead, but beating the Eagles’ intense press can earn them a much-needed victory on the road.
Meanwhile, Sunderland have been warned to be careful with their wage bill in a Mackem News exclusive.