Sunderland, with new signing Adingra, aims for Premier League stability after a strong start. Crystal Palace, unbeaten in nine league games, seeks to extend their run. Key players include Palace’s Guehi and Sunderland’s Mukiele. Opta predicts a Crystal Palace victory.
Sunderland's new signing, Simon Adingra, has declared the club's ambition to establish themselves as a Premier League mainstay. This statement comes ahead of their highly anticipated clash with Crystal Palace. The Black Cats have enjoyed a stellar start to the 2025-26 season, securing victories in their first two home games – a feat they haven't accomplished since the 2001-02 campaign, signaling a potential return to prominence for the Wearside club.
The team showcased their resilience and never-say-die attitude in a recent match against Brentford, mounting a late comeback. An 82nd-minute equalizer from Enzo Le Fee injected hope into the Stadium of Light, and Wilson Isidor sealed the victory with a dramatic winner in stoppage time, sending the home fans into raptures. This victory not only demonstrated their on-field prowess but also highlighted the team's strong mentality, vital for surviving the rigors of the Premier League.
The summer transfer window was a hive of activity for Sunderland, with Regis Le Bris bolstering the squad with three additional players on deadline day. Brian Brobbey, Bertrand Traore, and Lutsharel Geertruida joined the ranks, increasing the total number of new arrivals to an impressive 14. This significant investment in talent underscores the club's commitment to building a competitive team capable of thriving in the top flight.
Adingra himself was one of these notable additions, completing a £20 million move from Brighton. The talented player has already begun to make his mark on the team, exhibiting the skills and potential that prompted Sunderland to invest in his services. His arrival signals a statement of intent from the club, demonstrating their determination to compete with established Premier League teams.
Addressing the club's objectives, Adingra emphasized the importance of stability in the Premier League. "We have a good squad, and they have been welcoming, which has helped me adapt as quickly as possible into the team. We have really good teammates," he said, highlighting the positive team environment. "When I look at the quality of the players and the project of the club, we see the aim of wanting to be in the Premier League. We are not coming here to go straight back down, and we want to be stable in the Premier League." Adingra's words reflect a shared ambition within the club to not only survive but also flourish in the Premier League.
One month on since we lifted the Community Shield pic.twitter.com/1HW0HywUNr
— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) September 10, 2025
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace are determined to extend their unbeaten run in the campaign. The Eagles are riding high after a memorable 3-0 victory away at Aston Villa and boast the longest current unbeaten league run of any Premier League side (nine games), with three wins and six draws. Their last spell of 10 top-flight games unbeaten was between May and October 1990 (12 games). The team's consistent performances have solidified their position as a formidable opponent in the league.
Recent reports suggest that Palace are keen to extend Oliver Glasner's contract, recognizing the Austrian's pivotal role in leading the club to FA Cup and Community Shield success this year. Glasner's leadership and tactical acumen have been instrumental in the team's achievements, making him a highly valued asset for the club.
Palace also successfully retained the services of defensive linchpin Marc Guehi, thwarting his deadline day move to Liverpool. Guehi underlined his importance with a goal for England in their recent 5-0 victory over Serbia, further cementing his status as one of the Premier League's top defenders. His commitment to Palace is a significant boost for the team's defensive stability.
"It's a fantastic feeling," Guehi told ITV Sport after scoring his first international goal. "You work really hard growing up, so to score a goal for your country is the best feeling." Guehi's passion and dedication exemplify the spirit within the Palace squad.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Crystal Palace – Marc Guehi
Following his eventful deadline day, all eyes will be fixed on Guehi's performance. The centre-back scored a screamer in Palace’s previous match at Villa Park. Guehi has been a constant presence in a Palace side that has recorded an impressive 10 clean sheets in their last 18 Premier League games.
Sunderland – Nordi Mukiele
Mukiele, Sunderland’s summer signing from Paris Saint-Germain, delivered a stellar debut against Brentford. He won the most duels (12), tackles (four), and had the most touches (84) of any player, as well as the joint-most accurate passes (49). Mukiele's impactful debut suggests he will be a key player for Sunderland this season.
MATCH PREDICTION: CRYSTAL PALACE WIN
Crystal Palace have demonstrated consistency against newly promoted teams, losing only once in their last 16 encounters (10 wins, five draws). That defeat came against Luton Town in November 2023. Ismaila Sarr has been instrumental, contributing directly to nine goals in his last 12 starts (six goals and three assists). Since April 26, only Chelsea's Enzo Fernandez has more combined goals and assists in the Premier League (five goals and eight assists).
Palace leads the league in high-intensity pressing this season, recording 1,081 pressures on opponents. Their relentless pressing game has been a key factor in their success. Sunderland, meanwhile, are the first newly promoted side since Leeds United in 2020-21 to win at least two of their opening three fixtures. Historically, only two promoted sides have won three of their first four games: Nottingham Forest in 1994-95 and Bolton Wanderers in 2001-02.
Sunderland have struggled to score in the first half this season, managing just 11 attempts in the opening 45 minutes. However, they have been more potent after the break, scoring five goals from 20 shots in the second half – a tally only surpassed by Liverpool (six goals). Sunderland's second-half resilience will be crucial as they navigate the challenges of the Premier League.
OPTA WIN PROBABILITY
Crystal Palace – 71.6%
Draw – 16.2%
Sunderland – 12.1%