Preview: Sunderland vs Crystal Palace - prediction, team news, lineups

[(Sunderland A.F.C.) Strength]:
1. Sunderland A.F.C. are 10th in the table and are on a 6-game winless run. They are motivated to return to the winning ways in this game.
2. Enzo Le Fee delivered a standout performance in the last match, scoring a goal. So far this season, he has recorded 3 goals and 4 assists across all competitions, making him the player with the most direct goal involvements in the squad.
3. Sunderland A.F.C. remained unbeaten in their 11 home games this season, winning 5 of them and showing strong home strength.

[(Sunderland A.F.C.) Neutral]:
1. Sunderland A.F.C. drew 0-0 with Crystal Palace F.C. in their first league encounter this season, which was their only meeting in the last 5 years.

[(Sunderland A.F.C.) Weakness]:
1. Sunderland A.F.C. will be without Aji Alese due to injury, while Habib Diarra and Chemsdine Talbi have both departed to represent their respective nations at the Africa Cup of Nations.
2. Sunderland A.F.C. were recently eliminated from the FA Cup following a penalty shootout defeat to Everton F.C. Over their last six matches, the Black Cats have failed to secure a win in regulation time, recording five draws and one loss—a clear indication that their current form is far from ideal.
3. Sunderland A.F.C. scored 3 goals and conceded 6 in the last 5 games, boasting poor offense and unstable defense.
4. Sunderland A.F.C. failed to win the last 2 games in AH, performing below expectations.

[(Crystal Palace F.C.) Strength]:
1. Crystal Palace F.C. are only 13th in the table. They are motivated to take points to move up.
2. Jean-Philippe Mateta scored 10 goals and made 2 assists across all competitions this season, making him the top scorer of the team.

[(Crystal Palace F.C.) Weakness]:
1. Crystal Palace F.C.'s Daichi Kamada, Cheick Doucoure, Edward Nketiah, Caleb Kporha, and Chadi Riad are all sidelined, while Nathaniel Clyne, Daniel Munoz, and Jefferson Lerma remain doubtful for selection. Furthermore, Ismaila Sarr is unavailable as he joins his national team for the Africa Cup of Nations.
2. Crystal Palace F.C.'s morale has taken a significant hit following a shock 2-1 FA Cup exit at the hands of sixth-tier side Macclesfield Town. Their broader form is equally concerning, as they remain winless in their last nine outings with a record of four draws and five losses.
3. Crystal Palace F.C. were winless with only 1 draw and 3 losses in the last 4 away games, showcasing poor away performances.
4. Crystal Palace F.C. scored 2 goals and conceded 6 in the last 5 games, boasting weak attack and unstable defense.
5. Crystal Palace F.C. lost 4 of the last 5 games in AH, performing below expectations.

[Tips]:
Sunderland A.F.C. recorded five draws and one loss in the last six matches, indicating underwhelming form.

However, the team performed well at home this season, remaining unbeaten with 5 wins and 6 draws in their 11 home games, which shows strong home strength.

Crystal Palace F.C. just suffered a crushing defeat to the sixth-tier side Macclesfield Town in the FA Cup.

They were also winless with only 4 draws and 5 losses in the last 9 games, revealing poor form.

Combined with the two sides' recent form, Sunderland, who have outstanding home performances, are expected to avoid defeat in this game.

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