Crystal Palace vs Sunderland is a historic English football fixture involving two clubs from different parts of the country. The matchup has featured Premier League meetings as well as games in other competitions over the years. With Sunderland back in the Premier League for the 2026–27 season, the fixture has returned to the top-flight schedule. The two sides are due to meet twice in the 2026–27 Premier League season, with Sunderland hosting the first game in December 2026 and Crystal Palace hosting the return fixture in February 2027.
Quick Information
| Particular | Details |
| Fixture | Crystal Palace vs Sunderland |
| Competition | Premier League |
| Season | 2026–27 |
| First scheduled meeting | 19 December 2026 |
| First venue | Stadium of Light |
| Return scheduled meeting | 27 February 2027 |
| Return venue | Selhurst Park |
| Crystal Palace | London, England |
| Sunderland | Sunderland, England |
| Latest completed meeting | Sunderland 2–1 Crystal Palace |
| Latest meeting venue | Stadium of Light |
Crystal Palace vs Sunderland: Recent Head-to-Head Results
The most recent meetings show a closely contested fixture:
| Date | Match | Competition | Result |
| 17 January 2026 | Sunderland vs Crystal Palace | Premier League | Sunderland 2–1 Crystal Palace |
| 13 September 2025 | Crystal Palace vs Sunderland | Premier League | 0–0 |
| 4 February 2017 | Crystal Palace vs Sunderland | Premier League | Crystal Palace 0–4 Sunderland |
These recent results include a win for Sunderland, a goalless draw and another Sunderland victory, although the older 2017 result belongs to a different Premier League season.
Latest Crystal Palace vs Sunderland Match
The latest completed Premier League meeting took place on 17 January 2026 at the Stadium of Light. Sunderland won 2–1.
Before that, the teams met at Selhurst Park on 13 September 2025 and played out a 0–0 draw.
The fixture therefore entered the 2026–27 season with recent meetings producing different results rather than a single consistent pattern.
Crystal Palace in 2026–27
Crystal Palace are competing in the 2026–27 Premier League season under manager Pierre Sage. The club’s schedule also includes European football following its qualification from the previous campaign.
Palace’s league campaign includes home fixtures at Selhurst Park and away games across England. The Sunderland fixture is part of the club’s busy winter schedule.
The December meeting will take Crystal Palace to the Stadium of Light, while the February return match will be played in south London.
Sunderland in 2026–27
Sunderland returned to the Premier League for the 2026–27 season and began the campaign with Ipswich Town away from home.
The club’s schedule includes major Premier League fixtures throughout the season, along with European commitments.
The December meeting with Crystal Palace is scheduled to take place at the Stadium of Light, giving Sunderland home advantage for the first league encounter of the season between the clubs.
First Meeting of the 2026–27 Season
The first Premier League meeting between the clubs is scheduled for:
Sunderland vs Crystal Palace
Date: 19 December 2026
Venue: Stadium of Light
This match falls during the busy Christmas period, when Premier League clubs traditionally have a congested fixture schedule.
The exact kick-off arrangements can be subject to later changes because of television selections and other scheduling considerations.
Return Fixture at Selhurst Park
The return Premier League fixture is scheduled for:
Crystal Palace vs Sunderland
Date: 27 February 2027
Venue: Selhurst Park
This will be the second league meeting between the clubs during the 2026–27 season.
For Palace supporters, the match provides the opportunity to see Sunderland at Selhurst Park after the December trip to the Stadium of Light.
Crystal Palace vs Sunderland: Playing Styles and Match Factors
Both teams can approach the fixture differently depending on their form, available players and tactical setup at the time.
Home Advantage
The two scheduled fixtures provide each club with a home game. Sunderland will host the first meeting, while Crystal Palace will host the return fixture.
Home support can be an important factor in Premier League matches, particularly in traditional football grounds such as the Stadium of Light and Selhurst Park.
Defensive Organisation
Recent meetings include a 0–0 draw, showing that the fixture can produce a closely defended match. Defensive organisation, set pieces and the ability to control transitions can have a major influence on games between teams with contrasting tactical approaches.
Midfield Battle
The midfield contest can also be important. Winning second balls, maintaining possession and preventing quick counter-attacks can shape the flow of the game.
Set Pieces
Corners and free kicks can become particularly important in tightly contested Premier League fixtures. Both teams will look to create scoring opportunities from dead-ball situations as well as open play.
Stadiums
Selhurst Park
Selhurst Park is Crystal Palace’s home stadium in south London. It has been the club’s home for more than a century and is closely associated with Palace’s identity and supporters.
The ground is located in the Crystal Palace area of south London and is known for its traditional football atmosphere.
Stadium of Light
The Stadium of Light is Sunderland’s home ground. It is located in Sunderland in northeast England and is one of the larger football stadiums in the region.
The venue has been Sunderland’s home since 1997 and regularly hosts large crowds for league matches.
Crystal Palace vs Sunderland Head-to-Head History
The two clubs have met many times in English football. Their competitive history includes Premier League fixtures, with meetings becoming less frequent when Sunderland spent periods outside the top division.
The recent return of Sunderland to the Premier League has brought the fixture back into the regular top-flight schedule.
Historical head-to-head statistics should always be considered in context because the teams have played across different eras, competitions and divisions.
Why This Fixture Attracts Attention
Crystal Palace vs Sunderland has several factors that make it an interesting Premier League fixture.
First, Sunderland’s return to the top flight brings back a number of traditional fixtures that had disappeared from the Premier League calendar.
Second, the clubs have different geographical identities. Crystal Palace represents south London, while Sunderland has a long football tradition in northeast England.
Third, the 2026–27 season gives supporters two league meetings, with one game at each club’s home ground.
Crystal Palace vs Sunderland: 2026–27 Fixture Summary
| Fixture | Date | Venue |
| Sunderland vs Crystal Palace | 19 December 2026 | Stadium of Light |
| Crystal Palace vs Sunderland | 27 February 2027 | Selhurst Park |
Both dates are subject to possible fixture changes.
What to Check Before the Match
Supporters planning to attend either fixture should check the latest official match information before travelling.
Important details include:
- Confirmed kick-off time
- Ticket availability
- Stadium entry arrangements
- Public transport information
- Any fixture-date changes
- Team news and squad availability
- Weather conditions on matchday
- Competition and broadcasting arrangements
Premier League fixtures can be moved because of television coverage, European commitments, cup competitions or other scheduling requirements.
FAQs
When is Crystal Palace vs Sunderland in the 2026–27 Premier League?
The return fixture is scheduled for 27 February 2027 at Selhurst Park. The first meeting is scheduled for 19 December 2026 at the Stadium of Light.
Where will Crystal Palace play Sunderland?
Crystal Palace will host Sunderland at Selhurst Park for the February 2027 fixture.
Where will Sunderland play Crystal Palace?
Sunderland will host Crystal Palace at the Stadium of Light for the December 2026 fixture.
What was the latest Crystal Palace vs Sunderland result?
The latest completed meeting was on 17 January 2026, when Sunderland defeated Crystal Palace 2–1 at the Stadium of Light.
Did Crystal Palace and Sunderland draw recently?
Yes. Their Premier League meeting at Selhurst Park on 13 September 2025 ended 0–0.
How many times do Crystal Palace and Sunderland play in the Premier League in 2026–27?
They are scheduled to play twice during the 2026–27 Premier League season, once at each club’s home ground.
Final Thoughts
Crystal Palace vs Sunderland is an established English football fixture that has returned to the Premier League calendar following Sunderland’s return to the top flight. The 2026–27 season provides two scheduled meetings, beginning at the Stadium of Light in December and continuing at Selhurst Park in February. Recent encounters have included a Sunderland win, a goalless draw and another Sunderland victory, giving the fixture an interesting recent history. For supporters and football readers, the matchup offers a useful combination of traditional club history, contrasting locations and two different stadium environments. As the season progresses, confirmed kick-off times, team selections, form and competition schedules will provide additional context around each meeting.