Palace Heist? - CPFC V SAFC quick preview
Sunderland return to Premier League action after around 45 weeks since their last game against Brentford. While Sunderland will be hoping for a clean bill of health after the return of its international stars the task ahead cannot be underestimated. Last time out Sunderland ran out 4-0 winners against Sam Allerdyces Eagles. The lads ended up getting relegated under David Moyes that season so we will move on quickly.
A tough test awaits at Selhurst park. Crystal Palace are a tried and tested European outfit these days who are on the back of double domestic success after a famous FA Cup win and a Community Shield win. This will be Palaces first game since Marc Guehi’s failed move to Liverpool so it remains to be seen if he is in the mindset to play but given his impressive England Performances I suspect he will continue with a professional attitude. However, the Eagles may be missing Midfield star Adam Wharton through injury as well as Ismaila Sarr. So given all the noise around palace, this might actually a good time to play Palace on their turf.
The big challenge facing Sunderland manager Regis Le Bris is whether any of his Deadline day signings come into the starting 11. Promising starts from Mayenda and Isidor will no doubt give RLB confidence in his strike force and adding Brian Brobbey to that will give him a very positive dilemma. The Ajax man came in following Guiu returning to Chelsea from him a very short loan stint (we will always have that Huddersfield goal)
Lutsharel Geertruida and Bertrand Traore also came in on deadline day and it is debated where Geertruida will fit in as he is another versatile player. I do think Le Bris will keep more or less the same 11 that beat Brentford. I think with Crystal Palace playing at home and the circumstances of how their transfer window ended, there will be an air of anticipation and I think that is something Sunderland can capitalise on. Palace will no doubt be aggressive and on the front foot. The question will be whether the lads can counter and break quickly.
The change to look out for will be up top, although, I think Isidor works well from the bench, I think Mayenda has struggled in the last 2 games but a game where he will only be expected to run and cause problems may suit him down to the ground. Palace are favourites but don’t write Sunderland off.
Score prediction
Palace 1-2 Sunderland
HAWAY THE LADS
