“There’s only one way to defeat them” Paul Merson now predicts Crystal Palace vs Sunderland
Crystal Palace will be looking to continue an unbeaten start to the 2025/26 campaign when Sunderland visit Selhurst Park on Saturday.
Oliver Glasner has done a tremendous job in challenging circumstances, working with a thin squad due to a lack of early signings – yet again – while also publicly contradicting Steve Parish over what must happen with Marc Guehi in what was a dramatic saga.
Despite this, Crystal Palace can boast three wins and three draws across all competitions.
Paul Merson has now revealed he expects Crystal Palace to continue this impressive run with a 2-0 win over Sunderland on Saturday.
Paul Merson praises Marc Guehi and backs Crystal Palace to beat Sunderland
The 57-year-old has been complimentary towards the Black Cats, but thinks Crystal Palace will have too much for Sunderland to handle.
Merson told Sportskeeda: “A tough place to visit (Selhurst Park). I actually think Palace are really underrated. On their day, they can trouble any team in this division. If you get six points off them in a season, you have done a terrific job!
“I don’t think the failed transfer to Liverpool on deadline day will have a huge impact on Guehi’s performances. He has been a true professional in terms of how he has behaved in recent weeks. I think it’s unfair that people who complained like Alexander Isak got the move, while Guehi did not, but I don’t think he will ruin his image by behaving in the wrong way now.
“Sunderland have been brilliant, but Palace are way better than what people think and they will get the three points here. Crystal Palace 2-0 Sunderland.”
Regis Le Bris – who praised Crystal Palace in his press conference – has made a fantastic start to life as a Premier League manager, guiding Sunderland to two wins from three games so far, despite only just winning promotion from the Championship.
Christantus Uche could be thrown in for an immediate debut
Seeing as the international break immediately followed transfer deadline day, Christantus Uche has been unable to train with his new teammates due to his commitments to Nigeria.
The £17m arrival from Getafe would therefore be unlikely to start, in normal circumstances that is.
However, Glasner could be forced to throw Uche straight into his starting XI against Sunderland, after Ismaila Sarr and Adam Wharton both suffered serious injuries in the 3-0 win over Aston Villa.
The Nigerian can play in central midfield, attacking midfield or even as a striker, so his versatility will surely prove to be a huge benefit throughout the season.
