Sunderland face Crystal Palace in the Premier League this weekend

Both Chris Sutton and Paul Merson have backed Sunderland to beat Crystal Palace when the two sides meet in the Premier League on Saturday afternoon.

The Black Cats host the Eagles at the Stadium of Light in a 3pm kick-off, having battled their way to a hard-fought 0-0 draw in the reverse fixture at Selhurst Park back in September.

And heading into this weekend’s clash, both teams will be desperate to return to winning ways in the top flight. Regis Le Bris’ men are winless in their last five league outings, drawing four and losing against Brentford last time out, but they did at least see off Everton in the third round of the FA Cup courtesy of a dramatic penalty shootout triumph a week ago.

For their part, however, Palace are in the midst of a dire slump in form. Oliver Glasner’s side are without a win in nine across all competitions, and found themselves on the wrong end of one of the greatest upsets in FA Cup history last weekend when they crashed out of the competition at the hands of non-league Macclesfield.

And it is within this context that both Sutton and Merson have backed Sunderland to uphold their unbeaten home record on Saturday.

What did Chris Sutton say about Sunderland vs Crystal Palace?

Speaking to BBC Sport, Sutton said: “Crystal Palace have not won any of their past nine games in all competitions, and their FA Cup defeat at Macclesfield was a huge embarrassment. Eagles boss Oliver Glasner made changes for that tie which did not work, and the squad depth is clearly not there to cope with this busy time of the season.

“Looking at Sunderland's results, they were not exactly in great form either before they beat Everton in a penalty shootout to reach round four. The Black Cats are without a win in five league games but the difference with Palace is that they drew four of them and, importantly, they also played well in most of those matches too.

“Regis Le Bris's side have been so strong at home that, along with Palace's poor form, I really have to back them here. As their fans keep on pointing out, I've not done too well at predicting Sunderland scores this season, but I will get one of their results right soon... surely!” Sutton has forecast a 1-0 win for the Black Cats.

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What did Paul Merson say about Sunderland vs Crystal Palace?

Speaking to Sportskeeda, Merson said: “Crystal Palace have hit a brick wall. I've been saying for a few weeks that they look tired and it is taking a serious toll on them now. It was a shocking loss at Macclesfield, the biggest ever upset in FA Cup history!

“Sunderland are always competitive. A lot of their players are coming back from the AFCON now. What Sunderland have done without these players is incredible and they will only get stronger. Keep an eye on Sunderland. If they can put together a decent run, I believe they can finish in the top half of the table. Palace were always a dangerous team in my eyes. But they are one-paced and a bit all over the place now. I expect Sunderland to win.” Merson has predicted a 2-0 win for the hosts.

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