Crystal Palace travel to Sunderland on Saturday seeking relief rather than momentum.
This fixture was once viewed as a meeting between two of the Premier League’s most effective smaller sides, but recent form has dulled that narrative.
Palace arrive on Wearside carrying the weight of one of the most damaging results in the club’s modern history.
The FA Cup holders were eliminated at the first hurdle by non-league Macclesfield last weekend, a defeat that exposed how far standards have slipped since last season’s triumph.
Manager Oliver Glasner was candid afterwards, admitting his side lacked intensity, quality and leadership throughout the contest.
That loss extended Palace’s winless run in all competitions to nine matches and further undermined confidence already weakened by a poor league sequence.
Only West Ham United have collected fewer Premier League points over the last six rounds, with Palace taking just two from a possible 18.
The Eagles have failed to score in their last two league matches and look short of conviction in the final third.
Defensive issues remain just as concerning, particularly from set-pieces, where Palace have conceded at one of the highest rates in the division.
By contrast, Sunerland continue to exceed expectations overall, although their form has also flattened out after a bright first half of the campaign.
The Black Cats remain without a league win in 2026 and have not taken maximum points since defeating Newcastle United before Christmas.
Four successive draws were followed by a heavy defeat at Brentford, highlighting a growing lack of cutting edge.
Sunderland have scored fewer goals than any other Premier League side since the start of December, and their attacking numbers reflect that downturn.
Their FA Cup victory over Everton may offer a timely psychological lift after goalkeeper Robin Roefs saved three penalties in a dramatic shoot-out.
That result also reinforced the sense that Sunderland are more resilient at home, where they remain unbeaten in the league this season.
The Stadium of Light has been a reliable base, and performances there have often masked wider attacking problems.
The reverse fixture earlier in the season ended scoreless, reflecting two sides that are comfortable defensively but limited going forward.
This weekend’s meeting feels shaped more by vulnerability than ambition, with both managers prioritising stability.
