Sunderland host Crystal Palace in the Premier League this week with both clubs looking to respond. Enzo Le Fee comes into the match after redeeming a previous penalty miss, while Palace travel to the Stadium
of Light following a shock FA Cup exit against National League North side Macclesfield.
Le Fee had missed a Panenka penalty against Brentford when Sunderland trailed 1-0, with Caoimhin Kelleher catching the attempt. Brentford then pulled clear to win 3-0, denying Sunderland a route back into that league game and increasing pressure on Le Fee before the FA Cup tie with Everton.
The French midfielder responded strongly in the FA Cup at Hill Dickinson Stadium against Everton. Le Fee scored a well-taken volley during a 1-1 draw, then converted in the deciding penalty shoot-out as Sunderland advanced on spot-kicks. The performance eased tension before this important Premier League meeting with Crystal Palace.
Le Fee explained the emotions around the miss and recovery, stressing the need to stay brave. "That's football," said Le Fee. "Sometimes things don't go your way, but you can't hide. If you don't try, you don't succeed. Missing a penalty hurts, but failures are lessons, and you have to keep believing. "
Le Fee also highlighted the backing received from Sunderland supporters after the Brentford game. "I've felt a lot of support from the fans and I really appreciate it. The messages mean a lot, and they give you confidence. I'm grateful to everyone who has been behind me. " That support frames Sunderland’s build-up to facing Palace.
Crystal Palace approach the fixture under scrutiny after losing their FA Cup title defence immediately. Macclesfield’s victory made the National League North side the first non-league team to eliminate the holders since Palace themselves beat Wolves in the first round of the 1908-09 competition, underlining the scale of the upset for the Eagles.
Manager Oliver Glasner addressed fans following the Macclesfield defeat, acknowledging the poor display. "Everybody is disappointed. Players are frustrated. We didn't show up. We're sorry for that. I hope you can understand it," said Glasner. "You, the fans and we all, are really disappointed. We will make a few changes and we will start again next week. Thanks for your support. "
Gym time pic.twitter.com/P7aLkeygncSunderland AFC (@SunderlandAFC) January 14, 2026
Sunderland vs Crystal Palace Premier League players to watch
Two leading goalkeepers statistically could line up in this Sunderland versus Crystal Palace clash. Sunderland’s Robin Roefs has prevented 5.1 goals, with 21 conceded excluding own goals from 26.1 expected goals on target faced. Palace counterpart Dean Henderson has prevented 3.9 goals, conceding 23 from 26.9 expected goals on target this season.
Crystal Palace forward Jean-Philippe Mateta remains a central attacking figure. Mateta has scored eight Premier League goals so far, yet only one came across the last eight appearances. The striker’s underlying numbers show 11.21 expected goals, leaving Mateta at -3.21, with only David Brooks (-3.41) underperforming xG by a larger margin this season.
Sunderland vs Crystal Palace Premier League statistics and prediction
Sunderland are yet to lose at home in the league this season, with five wins and five draws from ten matches. In English top-flight history, only seven newly promoted teams have begun a campaign with a longer unbeaten home run, most recently Ipswich Town in 1992-93 with 11 games.
Recent history between these clubs offers a different pattern. The away side has avoided defeat in the last eight Premier League meetings, recording five wins and three draws. That stretch dates back to Palace’s 3-1 success at Selhurst Park in August 2013, when the home team last won this particular fixture in the league.
Both attacks have struggled recently. Sunderland failed to score in only four of the first 14 league matches but have drawn blanks in four of the last seven. Since the start of December, Sunderland have registered the fewest goals, with four, and the lowest expected goals total, at 6.6, in the Premier League.
Palace’s attacking run is also concerning. Palace have not scored in the last two Premier League games, and have collected only two points, with two draws and four defeats, over the previous six matchdays. Only West Ham, with one point, have a worse recent record, while Palace have lost their last two away league fixtures.
The Eagles have not lost three consecutive away league matches since February 2024, under Roy Hodgson. With both teams facing issues in front of goal and Sunderland defending a strong home record, the match projection points towards a tight contest, with a draw suggested as the most likely outcome.
| Match | Home Win | Draw | Away Win |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sunderland vs Crystal Palace | 36.2% | 26.2% | 37.6% |
With Sunderland’s resilience at the Stadium of Light, Palace’s damaged confidence after Macclesfield, and both teams’ recent scoring problems, this Premier League meeting appears finely balanced. Supporters will watch how Le Fee, Roefs, Mateta and Henderson respond as Sunderland and Crystal Palace attempt to reset their seasons.
