U21 preview Palace v Sunderland: Young Eagles host in-form Black Cats as play-off race intensifies

Match previews

JUST NOW

Crystal Palace Under-21s welcome Sunderland to Sutton’s VBS Community Stadium in Premier League 2 on Monday evening (2nd March, 19:00 GMT), with both sides firmly in the hunt for a coveted top-16 finish and a place in the end-of-season play-offs. Here’s everything you need to know!

Tickets for the game can be purchased by clicking here and will be sent at the point of sale as PDF print-at-home tickets.

The match will be streamed LIVE on Palace TV+ on Monday (2nd March), with coverage beginning at 18:45 GMT ahead of a 19:00 GMT kick-off – click HERE to find out more and subscribe.

Supporters can follow live commentary on our Academy X (Twitter) page, with a full match report and reaction published shortly after full-time in our Academy news section.

Highlights and extended reaction will be available on Palace TV+.

BUY SUNDERLAND TICKETS HERE

Eagle-Eyed Review

Despite a 3-0 setback against West Ham United last time out, there have been plenty of positives for Palace in recent weeks.

A 2-1 victory over Fulham brought an end to their 13-game unbeaten run, while a 2-0 win against Borussia Monchengladbach secured progression to the Premier League International Cup quarter-finals.

Darren Powell’s side sit 13th in PL2 Division One with 21 points from 14 matches. With a game in hand on several teams around them, the young Eagles have recorded six wins, three draws and five defeats, and remain three points clear of Middlesbrough in 16th – the final play-off berth.

Six league fixtures remain, including challenging encounters with of course Sunderland, Blackburn Rovers, Wolverhampton Wanderers, Liverpool, Nottingham Forest and Arsenal.

With margins fine and competition fierce, consistency through the run-in will be crucial. Palace have qualified for the PL2 play-offs in each of the past two seasons and will be determined to extend that record.

The Opponents – Sunderland A.F.C.

Graeme Murty’s side arrive in excellent form, having lost just one of their seven matches in 2026. They secured a fourth successive victory last time out with an impressive 2-1 win over our fellow Premier League International Cup quarter-finalists Everton.

After falling behind early, Sunderland responded swiftly and turned the contest around within 10 minutes, demonstrating the resilience that has underpinned their recent run.

The Black Cats also progressed to the quarter-finals of the Premier League Cup with an emphatic 6-1 triumph over Nottingham Forest.

Murty’s team finished second in Group H before a youthful side – featuring seven first-year and seven second-year scholars – were beaten 4-2 away at Colchester United F.C. in their final group fixture.

Heading into the final six league matches, Sunderland sit 17th in PL2 with 18 points from 14 games. They are level on points with Middlesbrough but trail on goal difference, leaving them narrowly outside the play-off positions. With just one defeat in seven matches this calendar year, they travel to Sutton full of confidence.

Likely line-ups

Expected Sunderland XI: Cowan; Hester, Holcroft, Lienard, Kindon; Whittaker, Lenz, Jones, Dinsdale; Geragusian, Abdullahi.

Team news

First-year scholar Alex Lienard made his maiden Under-21 start in the recent victory over Everton, one of two changes from the 6-1 win against Nottingham Forest.

Ahmed Abdullahi also returned to the starting XI, replacing Felix Scott in the only other alteration to Murty’s side.

Pre-match analysis

Sunderland are among the form teams in PL2, ranking fifth across the division over the past five matches. During that period, they have collected 11 points from a possible 15 – recording three wins and two draws – while scoring 10 goals and conceding six.

Their away form is equally encouraging, with two wins, two draws and just one defeat on the road, placing them sixth in the division’s away standings. That record underlines the scale of the challenge awaiting Palace on Monday evening.

Key Player

Finn Geragusian continues to be a decisive figure in Sunderland’s attack. The Armenian forward notched his 10th goal of the season – and third in as many games – in the victory over Everton.

Assistant coach Matt Craddock praised his impact, particularly his work out of possession and willingness to adapt for the team.

Geragusian’s athleticism, relentless running and powerful left foot make him a constant threat, and his development has been reflected in 12 goals across Under-18 and Under-21 competitions, as well as an international debut for Armenia U19s.

The Gaffer – Graeme Murty

Appointed Head of Professional Development Phase in 2022, Murty brought extensive coaching experience from spells at Southampton, Norwich City and Rangers, where he also had two stints as first-team manager.

The former Reading defender has Sunderland’s young side organised, competitive and firmly in the play-off conversation.

How to follow

Tickets for the game can be purchased by clicking here and will be sent at the point of sale as PDF print-at-home tickets.

The match will be streamed LIVE on Palace TV+ on Monday (2nd March), with coverage beginning at 18:45 GMT ahead of a 19:00 GMT kick-off – click HERE to find out more and subscribe.

Supporters can follow live commentary on our Academy X (Twitter) page, with a full match report and reaction published shortly after full-time in our Academy news section.

Highlights and extended reaction will be available on Palace TV+.

Match Details

Crystal Palace U21s v Sunderland U21s

Monday, 2nd March
19:00 GMT
VBS Community Stadium
Premier League 2
Watch LIVE on Palace TV+

Ticket Prices:

Adults: £5
Seniors (Over-65s): £1
Juniors (Under-18s): £1
Academy Founder Members: Free (1 per AFM)

Tickets can also be purchased by clicking here and will be issued at the point of sale as PDF print-at-home tickets.

BUY SUNDERLAND TICKETS HERE

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