The Premier League returns to the Stadium of Light today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, as Sunderland hosts a Crystal Palace side currently engulfed in off-field uncertainty. Kick-off is scheduled for 15:00 GMT.
This fixture finds both clubs at a crossroads. Sunderland, led by Régis Le Bris, is looking to maintain its remarkable unbeaten home record this season, while Crystal Palace must navigate the fallout from manager Oliver Glasner’s announcement that he will depart at the end of the campaign.
Match Information
| Feature | Details |
| Competition | Premier League (Matchday 22) |
| Date | Saturday, January 17, 2026 |
| Kick-off | 15:00 GMT |
| Venue | Stadium of Light, Sunderland |
| Referee | To be confirmed |
Sunderland: The Fortress on the Wear
Régis Le Bris has transformed the Stadium of Light into one of the most difficult venues in the Premier League. The "Black Cats" remain unbeaten at home in the league this season (W5, D5), a streak that has kept them comfortably in 10th place with 30 points. Despite their resilience, Sunderland has struggled for goals lately, failing to win any of their last five league matches.
However, spirits are high following a dramatic FA Cup victory over Everton last week, where goalkeeper Robin Roefs—who has seven clean sheets this season—saved three penalties in the shootout.
Team News and Selection:
Injury Boost: Striker Brian Brobbey has been cleared to play after recovering from a minor hamstring issue sustained in the FA Cup.
Absences: Habib Diarra (Senegal) and Chemsdine Talbi (Morocco) are away at AFCON. Arthur Masuaku and Bertrand Traoré returned from international duty with injuries and will miss out.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Roefs; Hume, Ballard, Alderete, Reinildo; Xhaka, Neil; Rigg, Le Fée, Mundle; Brobbey.
Crystal Palace: A Club in Transition
The atmosphere at Selhurst Park shifted dramatically on Friday, January 16, when Oliver Glasner confirmed he would not renew his contract and will leave this summer. This news follows a dismal run of form; the Eagles are winless in nine matches, including a humiliating FA Cup exit to sixth-tier Macclesfield Town.
Adding to the upheaval, captain Marc Guéhi is reportedly finalizing a £20 million move to Manchester City and will not feature today.
Team News and Selection:
Defensive Crisis: With Guéhi out, Jaydee Canvot or Chris Richards will likely partner Maxence Lacroix in a back three.
Injuries: Daniel Muñoz, Eddie Nketiah, and Daichi Kamada are all sidelined. Jefferson Lerma, however, has cleared concussion protocols and is available.
New Signing: Record signing Brennan Johnson is expected to start in an advanced role to support top scorer Jean-Philippe Mateta.
Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Henderson; Canvot, Lacroix, Richards; Devenny, Wharton, Hughes, Mitchell; Johnson, Pino; Mateta.
Tactical Analysis and Prediction
Sunderland’s tactical approach under Le Bris relies on defensive organization and clinical transitions. They currently lead the league in goals scored from set-pieces (38%), which could be the decisive factor against a Palace defense missing its primary leader in Guéhi.
Crystal Palace remains structurally sound in midfield through Adam Wharton, but their lack of confidence in the final third has been glaring. Facing a Sunderland side that has only conceded eight goals at home all season, Palace will find it difficult to break their winless streak in 2026.
Final Score Prediction: Sunderland 1–0 Crystal Palace
