Date of Tips: 15/01/2026
Disclaimer The odds for these selections were correct at the time of publishing (13:08 15/01/2026) but may have changed since. Please check the latest price before placing your bet.
Sunderland AFC
v Crystal Palace FC 
Stadium of Light
Premier League Matchday 22 
17-01-2026 15:00
Sunderland Form
Crystal Palace Form
Saturday afternoon football at the Stadium of Light, January 17th, kick-off at 3pm. Sunderland vs Crystal Palace prediction chat covers two sides sitting around mid-table, both a bit frustrated, and both feeling like they should have more points on the board. This one digs into team news, likely lineups, how the styles clash, and where the smart betting angles might sit.
Let’s start with Sunderland. Régis Le Bris has done an impressive job since taking charge, guiding the Black Cats into the top half of the Premier League in their first season back among the elite. Despite a recent winless run, they’ve stayed competitive in almost every match.
The injury list is short. Aji Alese remains sidelined with a shoulder issue, but there are no new concerns. That stability matters. Brian Brobbey leads the line and acts as the main penalty taker. He’s strong, direct, and everything goes through him in the final third. From set pieces, Granit Xhaka is the obvious name. He takes most free-kicks and corners, and his delivery from deep areas is a big part of Sunderland’s attacking plan. As captain, he sets the tempo and doesn’t shy away from responsibility.
At the back, Dan Ballard is back to full fitness and that’s huge. He organises, reads danger early, and brings calm to a defence that’s been tough to break down at home all season.
Crystal Palace arrive with more questions. Oliver Glasner, is usually calm and measured on the touchline, but results haven’t followed recently. While they’re still mid-table, the momentum isn’t there.
Jean-Philippe Mateta is the big concern. The French striker is nursing a knee issue and remains a doubt. If he misses out, Palace lose their main penalty taker and focal point up front. Set-piece duties often fall to Eberechi Eze when he’s available, but with him out of the picture here, Yeremy Pino has taken on more responsibility from free-kicks. He’s confident, technical, and not afraid to try his luck.
Sunderland look settled in a 4-2-3-1 shape. It gives them balance and allows Xhaka to dictate play from deeper areas.
Sunderland (4-2-3-1):
Roefs; Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Hume; Xhaka, Geertruida; Rigg, Le Fée, Adingra; Brobbey
Crystal Palace are expected to stick with their 3-4-2-1 system, which gives them width but can leave space behind the wing-backs.
Crystal Palace (3-4-2-1):
Henderson; Clyne, Lacroix, Guehi; Devenny, Wharton, Hughes, Mitchell; Johnson, Pino; Uche
This matchup feels like a chess game. Sunderland are patient, disciplined, and hard to pull apart, especially at the Stadium of Light. Palace prefer quick transitions and moments of individual quality. When these sides met earlier in the season, it was cagey and goalless. That tells you a lot.
The key battle sits in midfield. Xhaka versus Wharton is fascinating. One dictates rhythm, the other looks to break lines and shoot early. Out wide, Adingra against Mitchell could decide whether Sunderland can stretch Palace’s back three. If Sunderland pin those wing-backs deep, Palace struggle to get out.
From a betting angle, this feels like one of those matches where patience pays off. Goals may not come early. Sunderland’s home discipline and Palace’s recent struggles suggest a slower tempo.
If you like digging deeper, exploring corners or discipline markets can be worthwhile in games like this. Sunderland often apply pressure late on, which naturally brings set-pieces into play. For broader inspiration, check out our footy tips across today’s fixtures.
Honestly, this has draw written all over it. Sunderland don’t lose many at home, but Palace have enough quality to stay in the contest. Neither side looks free-flowing right now. Expect spells of control, a lot of midfield duels, and long stretches where chances are limited. A point wouldn’t shock anyone.
Match Prediction: Draw. Bet with bet365.
If you’re thinking scorelines, keep it simple. One goal either way feels possible, but a low-scoring draw stands out. These teams cancel each other out more often than not. If someone nicks it, it’ll be tight.
Correct Score Prediction: Sunderland 0-0 Crystal Palace. Bet with bet365.
This leans under. Both sides have struggled for consistent attacking rhythm, and neither will want to overcommit. The first half, in particular, could be cautious. If goals come, they’re more likely after the break when legs tire.
Over/Under Prediction: Under 2.5 Goals. Bet with bet365.
A sensible builder would focus on contro rather than chaos. Think low total goals, Sunderland to stay competitive, and a measured second half rather than an early flurry. It’s about reading the game state, not chasing fireworks.
Bet Builder Tip: Sunderland double chance, under 2.5 goals, and both teams to score – no. Bet with bet365.
Key Stats
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Visit our football previews & predictions page for more betting tips on upcoming matches.
A draw looks the most likely outcome given current form and how evenly matched these sides are.
Kick-off is at 3:00pm UK time on Saturday, January 17th.
The match takes place at the Stadium of Light.
This is a Premier League fixture.
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