TEAM NEWS

Crystal Palace will again be without striker Dwight Gayle, who missed the win at Liverpool with a hamstring problem.

Marouane Chamakh is back after a similar injury, but Bakary Sako is a doubt and Kwesi Appiah is ruled out.

Sunderland expect to welcome back Lee Cattermole, who sat out the defeat by Southampton with a groin problem.

Manager Sam Allardyce reported no other fresh injury concerns ahead of the trip to Selhurst Park.

John O'Shea could return after missing the Black Cats' last two games with a hamstring injury.

The defender was fit enough to make a brief substitute appearance for the Republic of Ireland on Monday.

MOTD COMMENTATOR'S NOTES

Jonathan Pearce: "If Crystal Palace's home form had matched their away successes, they would be in the top four.

"Their performances at Selhurst Park haven't been justly rewarded but they should notch a home win in this one - especially if Yannick Bolasie repeats last season's Stadium of Light form, when his hat-trick destroyed Sunderland.

"After their recent run of three defeats in league and cup, the Eagles bounced back to hold Manchester United and beat Liverpool. I can't see Sunderland containing them.

"Big Sam Allardyce has had the international break working with most of his squad on team shape and discipline.

"But 18 goals conceded in six away games is relegation form."

WHAT THE MANAGERS SAY

Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew: "I never fancy my chances against a Sam Allardyce team, because of his knowledge.

"He's a great (appointment) because he knows the division and if anyone is going to resurrect their season it will be Big Sam.

"They'll give everything they've got to get the victory."

Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce: "We are under enormous pressure because of the position we are in, with people talking about us being relegation fodder, but we have to accept that and handle it in the right way.

"I don't want (us) to play with fear, just to go out there and express themselves as they have over several years, that is what will get us out of trouble.

"There is only one thing which will build the confidence again, and that is getting results. So until that starts happening, confidence is bound to be a bit low."

LAWRO'S PREDICTION

I have been impressed with Crystal Palace, who looked very dangerous when they came forward in their win over Liverpool at Anfield.

The Eagles unsettled Liverpool and imposed themselves on the game, and I think they will find a way of hurting Sunderland too.

Lawro's full predictions v WWE wrestling star Neville

• Think you can do better than Lawro? Predict the score for this match and the rest of this round's Premier League fixtures in our Predictor game.

MATCH FACTS

Head-to-head

• Sunderland's 3-1 win at Selhurst Park last season gave them their first league victory away to Crystal Palace since 1995.
• That is Sunderland's only win in the last six meetings (D2, L3).
• There has been a red card in both of the Premier League fixtures between Palace and Sunderland at Selhurst Park.

Crystal Palace

• Palace's tally of 19 points from 12 games represents their best start to a Premier League campaign.
• However, the Eagles have lost six of their last 10 Premier League home games (W3, D1).
• They have scored half of their league goals this season from set-pieces - the highest ratio in the top flight prior to the latest round of matches.

Sunderland

• Only once before have Sunderland had fewer points after 12 Premier League matches. That was in 2005-06, when they had five.
• Since winning this fixture last season, the Black Cats have won two of 20 Premier League away games (D8, L10).
• Steven Fletcher has scored three goals in four Premier League appearances against Crystal Palace.