Sunderland’s midweek win over Queens Park Rangers has provided a lift within the camp ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Crystal Palace.
A Paddy McNair double saw the Black Cats come from behind in the capital to set up a fifth round tie at Southampton, but with just two games remaining until the next international break top-flight points are top of the agenda.
Last weekend David Moyes’ side suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at White Hart Lane, but the manager saw encouraging signs and challenged his side to build on their cup success.
“They’re renowned for being strong boys here and capable – they showed that last year – so I never ever had questions about their character.
“We’ve felt much better since winning midweek but we also did a lot of good things in the Tottenham game; we had chances and we held them out for a long time so there were positives to take, and in midweek I thought we played quite well and deserved to win the game.”
He continued: “I think Alan’s done a really good job at Crystal Palace and I know they had some difficult times last year, but on the climb to get up the Premier League and stabilise your club there are different times.
“It can drop for a little and people kind of wonder what’s happening, but it’s part of going again and I think they’ve signed well and have good players.
“It’ll be a tough game for us.”
Match betting odds with Dafabet
Jermain Defoe to score two or more NOW 12/1 (was 10/1)
Duncan Watmore to score anytime NOW 11/1 (was 17/2)
Sunderland to win and over 2.5 goals NOW 13/2 (was 5/1)
Sunderland to win 1-0 NOW 9/1 (was 7/1)
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