This Saturday sees the Eagles make a visit to the Stadium of Light looking for their third league win in a row. Sunderland, on the other hand, are looking to secure a first September league victory since September 29th 2012 The 2 clubs saw their fortunes differ somewhat this week with Sunderland coming from behind with a Paddy McNair brace (I know!) giving them a 2-1 victory at QPR and Palace losing to Premier League counterparts (and Sunderland's next opponents) Southampton. Sunderland will be looking to build on this at the weekend whilst Palace will be looking to bounce back from their disappointment. Match Appointments Referee: Anthony Taylor Assistants: P Kirkup, M Perry Fourth official: D Bond Form Guide Sunderland Sunderland come into the game from a 1-0 loss at Spurs - Having not yet won this season in the league, the black cats have endured a difficult start to the season, although they have played against Spurs, Everton and Manchester city who currently sit as the 3 best teams in the league. (let's not talk about Middlesbrough) Crystal Palace Palace endured a shaky start to the season losing their first 2 and drawing their third game but have found some form with 2 wins in their last 2 against Stoke and Middlesbrough. They'll be looking to build on this looking for more points against a Sunderland side lacking in confidence. Corresponding fixture last season (Some finish by Borini) Previous meetings (From Stat Cat - thanks @Bri OBE ) Overall: P46 W16, D14, L16 At Sunderland: P24, W11, D9, L4 Ones to watch Sunderland It was a toss up between him and joint top scorer Paddy McNair Didier N'Dong has settled quickly into the English game and looks to be a good acquisition for Sunderland. Good on the ball and in the tackle - just has a stupid haircut. But we all remember the last David Moyes "Stupid Hair cut" signing don;t we? Never heard of him then either but we all know him now. Palace Yohan Cabaye - ex Newcastle but always a good player. Very good on the ball and it'll be an interesting battle seeing him pit his wits against N'Dong and Cattermole. He's also one of the dirtiest players I've ever seen but seems to get away with everything somehow! Fitness According to Physioroom, Sunderland should expect Wahbi Khazri, Billy Jones and Jermain Defoe to be available for selection this weekend. If true, then it'll be the least injuries we've had all season going into a game. Thus means Borini, Mannone, Anichebe and Larsson are still out. Palace are without Dann, Souare and Remy but hope to have Tomkins fit for the match Selected Match Odds From oddschecker Sunderland 2/1 Palace 6/4 Draw 9/4 Selected scores (bet365) Sunderland 1-0 17/2 Sunderland 2-1 11/1 Draw 1-1 11/2 Palace 2-0 12/1 Palace 2-1 10/1
Good thread It's my first game this season so buzzing for 3pts - any scorer. May make your Silksworth gig Followed by 3pts against WBA a week later. Then we'll have progressed under Moyes
Good thread Marcus. Not sure about one to watch being either N'Dong or McNair though. I'm not sure McNair will even start on Saturday. Wandy will be the one dressed in acronyms
Top thread as always, although one small quibble - the injuries section doesn't actually say who is expected to miss the game for us! Is it just Fab, Vito, and Seb now? Also, as Blunham says, I doubt McNair will start, maybe not even get on the pitch. Personally I'd just copy / paste Jermain Defoe as our "one to watch" 38 times and be done with it
Home win. Dann only did 15 mins yesterday, and he was their motm. They look a real shambles, Pards, after a blip has them back to true form.
Put Mclair up front with defoe, what have we got to lose ? that is not a joke either we any player who can score. Palace have beaten two poor teams recently, so we are due a win !
Will be interesting to see who starts this one. I am expecting something like this: ...............Pickford.............. Man....Kone...Bodji....PVA ......Hoff....Catts....Dong.... Watmore..Defoe...Januzaj
Khazri for Watmore and that's my team as well. I'd possibly drop Bodgy but don't think that'll do his confidence any good. We need to build on his and Kone's partnership IMO.
No he was banned last night pops. @David Moyes' Stupid Face have updated the op to include injured players! Cheers for pointing it out
I wouldn't drop Bod, he hasn't been that bad he just looks a bit rusty. Like you say he needs to work on his partnership with Kone and that only comes with time.
NDong played well out on the right wing and McNair offers more than Rodwell. Not sure if Khazri has recovered yet so will go with our new found goal machine ...............Pickford.............. Man....Kone...Bodji....PVA Kirchhoff.........Cattermole .............McNair.............. NDong...Defoe...Januzaj
Thing is - looking at the interviews this week you might not be far wrong. He was a number 10 but Van Gaal played him in central defence and, according to him, provided the misconception that he's a defender.... I think N'Dong need to be the one between the DMs and Defoe personally. He's full of running and looks to me like a proper box to boxer.
