Three reasons Sunderland can beat Crystal Palace

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Sunderland face Crystal Palace in the Premier League this weekend.

Sunderland’s next chance to pick up a Premier League win is against Crystal Palace at the Stadium of Light.

The Black Cats have lost back-to-back league games, but found the winning formula in midweek in an EFL Cup tie with QPR.

Crystal Palace looked as though they had found their groove last weekend in their 4-1 win over Stoke City, but Sunderland can still be hopeful of picking up their first three points of the season against Alan Pardew’s side.

Here are three reasons why Sunderland can beat Crystal Palace.

Jermain Defoe

It is a very simple reason, but with Jermain Defoe in their side, Sunderland always have half a chance.

The 33-year-old is an assassin in front of goal, and he nearly put the Black Cats in front against his old club Tottenham last time out, creating a chance out of nothing as he latched onto Jordan Pickford’s goal kick, only to be thwarted by Hugo Lloris.

Sunderland need to start creating more chances, but they have the safety of knowing they have one of the best finishers in the division waiting to strike.

Palace have injury problems

Last week, Palace started with Scott Dann and James Tomkins at centre back.

This weekend they may not have that luxury. Tomkins was taken off at half time in the win over Stoke due to a knee injury, and Dann was forced off in the cup tie with Southampton after picking up a hamstring problem.

Although Tomkins has been declared fit for the game, Palace will be without their skipper Dann, which will be a massive loss for Pardew. A patched up Palace back four could give Sunderland a chance.

The fans

While the Sunderland players haven’t given their fans enough to shout about in recent times, the red and white faithful can still create an incredible atmosphere inside the Stadium of Light despite their sides woes.

The energy from the supporters can give the home side an extra edge, and a positive start for Sunderland on Saturday can get the fans onside early and help them get over the line and pick up their first win of the season.:

The Stadium of Light should be a fortress, and it can be if the players give the fans the performance their passion deserves. The two will go hand in hand: If Moyes’ men improve on the pitch, the fans will give even more for their team.