Sunderland v Crystal Palace
Saturday 24 September
Stadium of Light
3pm
Crystal Palace
Goalkeepers: Palace refreshed their options between the sticks in the summer when they completed the signing of French international shot-stopper Steven Mandanda on a three-year deal from Marseille. An experience understudy to Hugo Lloris in the international set-up, the 31-year-old made 443 appearances for L’OM during nine seasons of service at Stade Velodrome where he won one league title and three French League Cups. Named Ligue 1 goalkeeper of the year on four occasions including last season, Mandanda has been capped 22 times for Les Bleus since 2008. Wayne Hennessey and Julian Speroni also provide adequate cover in goal for the Eagles.
Defence: Keen to add further steel at the back during the summer, Alan Pardew drafted in West Ham United defender James Tomkins to partner Scott Dann in the heart of defence. With Joel Ward and former Liverpool youngster Martin Kelly occupying either full-back berths, Pardew has assembled a solid defensive core to build on. Having conceded just five goals in the Premier League so far this term, the Eagles backline has played a pivotal role in helping turn around their season after back-to-back defeats saw them begin the campaign in disappointing fashion.
Midfield: Frenchman Yohan Cabaye returned to action on Wednesday evening as Crystal Palace were knocked out of the EFL Cup at Southampton. Cabaye will now be hoping to reach the same level he met last term as the Eagles put themselves in European contention at the end of 2015. Jason Puncheon has been a mainstay in Palace’s team over the last few seasons, making over 30 appearances in each of his last three campaigns. While Cabaye and Puncheon provide creativity, James McArthur and Joe Ledley provide a ruthless edge in the wake of Mile Jedinak’s departure. Meanwhile, bosman recruit Mathieu Flamini adds bags in experience in the centre of the park.
Attack: After scoring just 39 goals in 38 Premier League games last term, Pardew addressed that issue by making Christian Benteke the clubs record signing and Loic Remy on loan from Chelsea. While Remy’s spell was cut short due to injury, the Belgian international has hit the ground running at Selhurst Park with one goal in three games. Playing off Benteke, Andros Townsend and Wilfried Zaha provide pace, trickery and a different kind of goal threat to the former Liverpool and Aston Villa frontman.
Manager: Alan Pardew took charge of Palace at the beginning of 2015, replacing Neil Warnock at Selhurst Park. Formerly on Palace’s books as a professional player, he took over at Selhurst Park with the Eagles in 18th position. An impressive run followed and he managed to guide the Eagles to 10th at the end of the term - their highest ever finish in the Premier League. A 15th place finish in the 2015/16 campaign was accompanied by an FA Cup Final appearance at Wembley, but the Eagles eventually lost 2-1 in extra time against Manchester United.
Team news
Sunderland
The Black Cats will be without Vito Mannone, Seb Larsson and Fabio Borini are unavailable.
A further update will be available following the manager’s pre-match press conference on Friday.
Crystal Palace
Yohan Cabaye could return to Premier League action after featuring for Palace for the first time on Wednesday evening after missing their last two games.
A further update will be available following Alan Pardew’s pre-match press conference.
Last time out
Queens Park Rangers 1-2 Sunderland
It was St Paddy’s day at Loftus Road as a Paddy McNair double sent Sunderland into the fourth round of the EFL Cup.
The Black Cats controlled the opening 45 minutes and made a bright start to the second period, but they were unable to find a way past Queens Park Rangers who made them pay on 60 minutes.
Sandro was the scorer as the Brazilian’s laser-guided volley nestled into the corner. The drama was far from over, though, and following a triple change Sunderland reasserted their dominance as McNair took centre stage and levelled with 20 minutes remaining.
And just like London buses the Northern Ireland midfielder grabbed his second soon after, reaching his destination at the perfect time to stroll onto a loose ball and fire Sunderland into the fourth round.
Southampton 2-0 Crystal Palace (BBC Sport)
Southampton made light work of Crystal Palace in their all-Premier League tie, with a goal in either half sending Saints into the EFL Cup fourth round.
Charlie Austin put the home side ahead with a penalty after Shane Long was fouled by Martin Kelly's challenge. Saints deservedly doubled their lead through midfielder Jake Hesketh's first goal for the club just after the hour.
Connor Wickham had Palace's best chance but failed to latch on to a loose back header from Jose Fonte inside the box.
Austin's fourth goal in the space of six days and three games gave Claude Puel's Southampton a deserved lead after half an hour.
Form (All competitions)
Sunderland: LLDLW
Crystal Palace: WDWWL
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)
Visit Dafabet’s official website for more odds
Odds are correct at time of publishing and are subject to change. T&C’s apply. Please gamble responsibly. 18+
