You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Everton v Aston Villa" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Newcastle v Wolves", for instance.
Sutton's predictions: Crystal Palace v Sunderlandpublished at 11:02 BST 13 September
11:02 BST 13 September
It was huge for Crystal Palace to keep hold of defender Marc Guehi, despite Liverpool's efforts to sign him on deadline day.
Fair play to Guehi for the way he conducted himself through that transfer saga - I have a lot of admiration for him.
I should have gone with the Eagles to beat Aston Villa last time out because of their recent results against Unai Emery's side - they played them four times last season, winning three and drawing the other.
I am not going to make the same mistake this time. Palace are missing the injured Adam Wharton and Ismaila Sarr but their boss Oliver Glasner has a knack of making his side extremely effective no matter who is missing.
Sunderland have done brilliantly to win their first two home games and I can see them making this quite tight, but I think they will have to wait a bit longer for their first point on the road.
Crystal Palace v Sunderland: Key stats and talking pointspublished at 19:23 BST 12 September
19:23 BST 12 September
Sophie Brown BBC Sport journalist
Crystal Palace host Sunderland in a battle between two sides who have made bright starts to the season.
With two trophies in the past four months and a place secured in the league phase of Europe's Conference League, it is a great time to be a Palace fan, and the good form has not just been limited to the cup competitions.
The Eagles are on the longest current unbeaten league streak of any side in the Premier League, a run of nine games. They have not gone 10 without defeat in the top flight since a run of 12 in 1990, and have set a new club record of 14 games unbeaten in all competitions as a top-flight side.
It is a far cry from 12 months ago, when pressure was mounting on manager Oliver Glasner as Palace had to wait until the end of October to register their first Premier League win of the 2024-25 campaign.
But having shrugged off the absence of Eberechi Eze, they must now cope without Ismaila Sarr, who has scored in the past two league games but who looks set for a spell on the sidelines after picking up a hamstring injury in the 3-0 win at Aston Villa last time out.
The away side has won five of the past six Premier League meetings between these two teams, and after their impressive start to the season, victory at Selhurst Park might no longer surprise Sunderland fans.
In fact, the Black Cats could become just the third newly promoted club to win three of their opening four Premier League matches, after Nottingham Forest in 1994-95 and Bolton Wanderers in 2001-02.
They are the 13th to win two of their first three – though five of the previous 12 ended up being relegated so there is still work to be done.
The magic number to hit is 11 points after 10 games – none of the 12 promoted sides to have started that well over the past 10 seasons have been relegated. Two more victories in their next seven games would take Regis le Bris' side to 11 points.
While they have been fast out of the blocks in terms of points earned, getting going in games has been a different matter, with Sunderland yet to score a first-half goal in the Premier League this season.
Luckily for them, they have made amends in the second half, scoring five - second only to champions and early-season pacesetters Liverpool.
Le Bris on team news, new signings and scoring latepublished at 14:27 BST 11 September
14:27 BST 11 September
Karan Vinod BBC Sport journalist
Sunderland boss Regis le Bris has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park (kick-off 15:00 BST).
Le Bris confirmed there are no new injury concerns. Dan Ballard's availability remains uncertain, though the head coach believes he could be ready for the game against Aston Villa. Meanwhile, Romain Mundle's return is anticipated during "the next international break".
On the signing of Brian Brobbey: "Different profile, pure striker with the ability to hold the ball, to run in behind, and I think is a good finisher with a different physical profile. Eli (Eliezer Mayenda), Wilson (Wilson Isidor) and Brian are different so for a manager and the squad, if we can manage different options according to what is needed, it's better."
The Sunderland boss indicated that he was happy with the business that was done during the transfer window, especially with the addition of "three new players in the end", which adds to the squad's depth, versatility, and provides "more competition".
On scoring late in games: "It is really positive to have this mindset, and it's not easy to understand why. The personality of the players, the consistency of the game model, the quality of the squad, the connection with our fans, we have many elements to explain this mentality until the end."
Le Bris suggested that the work done on the training ground with "eight or nine" players during the international break was positive, and it "was easier to manage different kinds of practices" and "to have many connections with them".
On Granit Xhaka: "He is our captain right now and I think he is like a symbol with his level, his experience and his standards, and he shows to everyone how to behave, to be successful. And the connection with our club and our fans was very natural."
The Sunderland manager acknowledged that difficult conversations take place with players who are not featuring regularly, but stressed it comes down to them "understanding and being aware of the situation of stepping up in the Premier League." He explained it is about the players "trusting the process" and knowing they will "have the opportunity".
On the expectation before having a brilliant start to season: "I didn't have any expectation because we are discovering a new league, so we don't know and we didn't have to fix a limit before. So, let's work hard, try to win and we'll see."
Le Bris also noted that Selhurst Park is a difficult place to visit because "they are confident" and "it's a consequence of a huge work before". He added that "it is a good example for us," pointing to a team that has overachieved and is now capable of winning trophies.
What do the deadline day arrivals bring to Sunderland?published at 09:40 BST 11 September
09:40 BST 11 September
Image source, Getty Images
Dutch journalist Arthur Renard believes Sunderland's deadline day acquisitions will suit the Black Cats.
Speaking on BBC Radio Newcastle, Renard said Regis le Bris has strengthened the Black Cats' attack and picked out the abilities striker Brian Brobbey will bring to the Stadium of Light:
"He has a lot of stamina and power, he's really good at holding the ball and doing quick one-twos," Renard said.
"He has a really good scoring ability although last season, he was not as prolific as in the previous two. In that way, it's maybe a little surprising that Ajax got the money they did for him. I think he could be more suited to a more physical game.
"I would say Bertrand Traore has lost maybe a little bit of pace, a bit of power but he still has his moments. He scored a really important goal away at PSV.
"I'm a little bit surprised that Sunderland went in for him because even in the Netherlands he seemed to be a bit out of pace, but you could see that this guy still has it [and] he does have Premier League experience."
Defender Lutsharel Geertruida has arrived on loan from RB Leipzig but has 17 caps for the Netherlands. Renard thinks he can offer something different for Sunderland.
"Geertruida has technical flexibility and the different positions he can play gives Sunderland many options at the back," he said.
"He's good at reading the game and he likes going up front. He's an all-rounder.
"You can maybe compare him to Jurrien Timber at Arsenal, who was a centre-back a lot of the time at Ajax and now he's a right-back at Arsenal.
"That gives them a licence to go forward which Geertruida is good at."
'Fascinated by his character' - Barnes on Xhaka's Sunderland commentspublished at 09:07 BST 10 September
09:07 BST 10 September
Image source, Getty Images
Granit Xhaka says he chose a move to Sunderland in order to experience moments of "solidarity and suffering" that will show him "another side of football".
The new Black Cats captain has spent much of his career competing for domestic titles and told the Swiss publication Blikk that he hopes his time at the Stadium of Light will shape him as a manager for the future.
BBC Radio Newcastle delved into the comments with journalist Nick Barnes "fascinated by the drive" of the 32-year-old. Barnes agrees with Xhaka, saying his time at Sunderland could help him be successful as a head coach.
"His mindset is interesting," Barnes said. "When you look at former players who played at a very high level who have gone into management, I'm thinking Frank Lampard and Wayne Rooney and the like, most of their experiences have been at successful clubs. Then they went into management and it's a completely different picture.
"But Granit Xhaka is clearly ambitious and he's looking at all aspects of management in a way. The coaching, the psychology, the influence he has in the dressing room, the leadership and how to deal with a 3-0 defeat at home.
"I'm just fascinated by his drive. Even from the very start, his messages have always been 'we're here to create history and make a name for ourselves' and there's a lot of psychology that goes into his approach.
"I think with the age he is and still playing at this level, he's is very driven. I could see him being very successful as a head coach."
'All I'll say is don't write us off'published at 12:23 BST 9 September
12:23 BST 9 September
Gavin Henderson Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
As I write this, the international break is in full flow, and for the first time in forever ,it feels as though there is a lull in Sunderland news.
This pause in particular presents us with a whole new set of potential problems that we have not experienced for some time.
Since returning to the Premier League, we have spent a massive amount to get the squad to a competitive level, bringing in a raft of new players. Many of these are important players for their countries.
Yet their departures on international duty means Regis le Bris has had a smaller group to work with than he would have liked before Saturday's game at Crystal Palace. It likely means that the majority of those who will start at Selhurst Park will have had hardly any preparation.
Considering how meticulous Le Bris is, he will not be happy having to deal with so many moving parts.
That said, isn't that just part of being the coach of a Premier League side, where most teams are full of international footballers?
Palace's manager Oliver Glasner has the same headaches, with the added challenge of having to reintegrate Marc Guehi after Palace put a late stop to his move to Liverpool.
We just have to hope it all works in Sunderland's favour.
Brian Brobbey is an unknown quantity and I would be tempted to chuck him in from the start to see if he can rough up the Palace defenders. I cannot call Guehi's professionalism into question, but could this be a good time to stick a total unknown up against him given his head may well be in the shed?
If needed, the pace and energy of Wilson Isidor and Eliezer Mayenda off the bench (or as 'finishers', as Le Bris puts it) can make a difference later in the game.
After starting the season with two wins from three games, going away to the current FA Cup holders presents a different task and, in truth, anything other than a defeat would be a bonus.
I am hoping Sunderland's survival plan factors in having a great home record, but we must complement that with the odd win or draw here away from home.
I cannot tell whether it is a good time to play Palace, but Sunderland have to go there with confidence, hoping to spring a surprise.
Do not write us off - our record of scoring late goals over the past five games shows only a fool would do such a thing!
Gossip: Spurs still interested in re-signing Cirkinpublished at 07:35 BST 9 September
07:35 BST 9 September
Tottenham are continuing to monitor Sunderland's Dennis Cirkin and might move to re-sign the left-back, who is a product of their academy, in January. (TBR Football), external
Gossip: PSR will not prevent more signings in Januarypublished at 06:55 BST 8 September
06:55 BST 8 September
Sunderland have enough flexibility under Profit and Sustainability Rules to make more signings in January to boost their Premier League survival hopes. (The I - subscription required), external
Aleksic heads to Poland on loanpublished at 18:33 BST 5 September
18:33 BST 5 September
Image source, Getty Images
Sunderland midfielder Milan Aleksic has joined Polish side Cracovia on a season-long loan.
The 20-year-old joined from FK Radnicki 1923 in his home country of Serbia last summer and has made 10 appearances for the Black Cats across all competitions, scoring one goal.
Sporting director Kristjaan Speakman said: "At 20 years of age, Milan is a player who possesses the potential to progress to the next level, but to do this, he needs regular games in an appropriate environment.
"Cracovia have made a positive start to the season domestically, and this move will provide Milan with the platform he needs at this moment in time."
Who will be Sunderland's best summer signing?published at 16:18 BST 4 September
16:18 BST 4 September
Image source, Getty Images
The dust has just about settled on a busy transfer window for Sunderland.
The Black Cats have made 15 signings for about £161m based on reported initial fees – the highest summer spend by a promoted side in Premier League history.
Isidor the 'super sub'published at 12:09 BST 4 September
12:09 BST 4 September
Image source, Getty Images
Marco Gabbiadini has been debating the role played by Wilson Isidor on BBC Radio Newcastle.
Black Cats fan Ian suggested he wasn't thrilled with Isidor's fitness levels when he starts games but he can see why his role as an impact substitute is proving successful.
Gabbiadini commented there's "nothing wrong" with being a 'super sub'.
"There's actually quite a few in the Premier League at the moment," the former striker added.
"When Isidor first came to the club he needed to improve his fitness and strength, but he's done that.
"If you can put fresh legs on, take advantage of it because you hope the centre halves just knock off for a split-second and you end up scoring a goal. Which is what we saw at the weekend."
Speakman 'really pleased' with Black Cats' transfer windowpublished at 11:32 BST 4 September
11:32 BST 4 September
Image source, Getty Images
Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman says he is confident the Black Cats have built a squad with "the right quality, depth and competition" for the Premier League.
"We want to make sure that every transfer deal is structured in the best terms for our football club," Speakman told BBC Radio Newcastle. "What's important for us is building a squad that has the right quality, depth and competition to make sure that we are competitive in this league. That's what we've felt we have done.
"The transfer window is one component - an opportunity to recruit players and adjust your squad, but it's also important that we are always reviewing the current group to make sure all of those contracts are in the right place.
"We've seen the benefits of doing that over the past four or five years because we have been able to trade players out. That has allowed us to be best placed for this summer and to make the moves we wanted.
"We are really pleased with the outcome. We are really pleased with the players, the mix, the balance, the alignment, the compatibility and the competition."
When asked if Sunderland will have enough squad depth during the Africa Cup of Nations, Speakman replied: "We discussed that lots as we went through the transfer window.
"The most important thing for us was getting quality in. We recognise that we are going to lose one or two players when it comes around, but that's hopefully where competition and depth comes in.
"It is a long season and we are going to be missing some players for a short period -we just have to accept that."
Sunderland break spending record for promoted clubspublished at 14:43 BST 3 September
14:43 BST 3 September
Tom McCoy BBC Sport journalist
On deadline day, Sunderland's three new signings made history -
A loan move for RB Leipzig's Lutsharel Geertruida, an initial £17.4m to Ajax for striker Brian Brobbey and then Bertrand Traore for a reported £2.5m.
Those purchases mean the Black Cats have spent £161.7m on transfer fees this summer - almost £20m more than any other promoted club in Premier League history.
The previous record was Nottingham Forest's £142m outlay in 2022. Aston Villa are the only other top flight arrivals to spend significantly north of £100m, having splashed out £127m in 2019.
Both Forest and Villa stayed up so their gambles proved successful, but consolidating top-flight status is harder than ever, with the gulf between the Championship and Premier League continuing to widen.
After all, in each of the previous two seasons, the three sides that came up went straight back down.
As a consequence, clubs are spending ever-increasing sums in the hope of remaining competitive despite no guarantee it will pay off.
Southampton, Ipswich and Leicester shelled out a total of £276.5m last summer but accumulated just 59 points - the lowest combined figure by promoted teams in a 38-game Premier League season.
Sunderland, Burnley and Leeds have been undeterred, spending in excess of £350m this year, and the early signs suggest they may have invested a little more shrewdly.
The trio already have 13 points on the board, the best start by promoted sides since 2016-17. Last season's newboys were still pointless at this stage, indicating it is not merely a case of how much clubs spend, but how wisely they do it.
Why Chelsea wanted Guiu back after Delap's injurypublished at 12:48 BST 3 September
12:48 BST 3 September
Nizaar Kinsella Chelsea reporter
Image source, Getty Images
Chelsea recalled Marc Guiu as their top option to address striker Liam Delap's injury.
Guiu, 19, was deemed the best loanee to lead the attack at Stamford Bridge by the Chelsea hierarchy, given his Premier League experience and understanding of manager Enzo Maresca's style of play.
There had been a period of uncertainty around Chelsea's activity after Delap suffered a serious-looking hamstring injury in the 2-0 win over Fulham.
A ripple effect across the transfer market followed, including blocking Nicolas Jackson from undergoing a medical examination at Bayern Munich and an inquiry to Sporting about striker Conrad Harder.
However, concerns about the Denmark Under-21 forward's ability to make a difference at Chelsea made him an opportunity not worth pursuing, especially as he ultimately joined RB Leipzig.
Instead, Guiu, who joined Chelsea from Barcelona in 2024 for £5m, was seen as deserving the opportunity created by Delap's injury, and his pathway should not be blocked by a new signing.
There was no recall clause in Guiu's loan agreement with Sunderland, but the two clubs' positive relationship enabled them to reach a deal, aided by a penalty clause if the young striker did not play sufficient minutes.
Chelsea also factored in Strasbourg striker Emanuel Emegha when making the decision.
The 22-year-old, who now captains the French club in their Ligue 1 and Conference League campaigns, is seen internally as a future Netherlands international and player capable of featuring for Chelsea or in the Premier League soon.
The decision not to sign Harder and to work with Guiu was also made with Emegha's future development in mind.
'Things couldn't have gone any better' - a 9.5/10 windowpublished at 09:12 BST 3 September
09:12 BST 3 September
Gavin Henderson Fan writer
Image source, Getty Images
Sunderland have had the greatest transfer window in the club's history, and you won't find a single fan that argues any different.
We have made 14 signings, tied a number of promising players down to long-term deals, brought on board a new director of football, got rid of a lot of deadwood, sold some decent but not completely important players for a good profit, and now have a squad everyone feels is capable of competing in the Premier League with the other top sides at that level.
The departure of Marc Guiu was a curveball, but the club showed how well-oiled they are as a machine and we went out and signed Ajax's number nine, Brian Brobbey to fill the void.
There have been several other signings, but I won't go in depth on them - what is important is that Sunderland's owners have given us the best possible chance of staying in the Premier League, and that is all that we can ask.
I'm not really sure that, as a promoted side, things could have gone any better. Realistically, what else could you expect? They have delivered on every metric.
We have a squad which looks more than capable of competing in the top flight, and I can only imagine that many teams will not be looking forward to facing us now that we have got ourselves into adequate shape.
We are absolutely buzzing. Thank you, Kyril Louis-Dreyfus, for giving our football club the best possible chance of survival by backing us in the transfer market. I rate this transfer window a 9.5/10.
Traore signs for Sunderland on one-year dealpublished at 22:38 BST 1 September
22:38 BST 1 September
Sunderland have confirmed the signing of Bertrand Traore from Ajax.
The Burkina Faso international has signed a one-year contract at Stadium of Light, with the option of a further year.
"I'm really happy to join Sunderland," Traore said. "It's a huge club and for me, it feels great to be back in the Premier League.
"From far away, I've seen the way the team has started the season, the movements, the atmosphere around the club and everything looks positive. I'm excited to be part of this project and part of this team.
"It helps as well that I already know a few players, like Simon Adingra, and of course Brian [Brobbey], who also joined today. Having those relationships and my past experiences in England will make it easier to settle quickly.
"I'm looking forward to stepping out at the Stadium of Light and giving my best for the fans."
Roberts completes loan movepublished at 21:57 BST 1 September
21:57 BST 1 September
Birmingham have signed Sunderland winger Patrick Roberts on a season-long loan.
The 28-year-old moved to the Stadium of Light from Manchester City in January 2022 and helped guide the Black Cats from League One to the Premier League.
He made 147 appearances in all competitions, scoring nine goals and contributing 18 assists and came off the bench in the second half at Wembley in May as Sunderland came from behind to beat Sheffield United in the Championship play-off final.
'I can't wait to be a part of that passion' - Brobbey joins Sunderlandpublished at 21:25 BST 1 September
21:25 BST 1 September
New Sunderland striker Brian Brobbey says he is "ready for this next chapter" after completing a permanent move from Ajax.
The 23-year-old has joined on a five-year deal for a reported £21.6m fee.
Brobbey is a two-time winner of the Eredivisie with the Dutch club, and has scored 56 goals and provided 24 assists in 163 appearances for the club.
"It feels great to be a Sunderland player. I spoke with Nordi Mukiele, who I know from my time in RB Leipzig, and he told me about the club, the fans, and how it feels like a family," he told club media.
"I first talked with Sunderland over a month ago, and I have seen the stadium and the fans this season, and I can't wait to be a part of that passion.
"It's emotional to say goodbye to Ajax, as I grew up here and I'm going to miss everyone, but the Premier League is the biggest stage in the world, and I'm ready for this next chapter."
Brobbey is a Netherlands international and has played eight times for his country.
Defender Geertruida joins on loanpublished at 19:59 BST 1 September
19:59 BST 1 September
New Sunderland defender Lutsharel Geertruida says he wants to be part of the club's Premier League "fight" this season.
The 25-year-old has completed a season-long loan deal from RB Leipzig, having made 35 appearances for the Bundesliga side last campaign.
Before that, Geertruida spent 12 years at Dutch side Feyenoord, winning the 2022-23 Eredivisie and the Dutch Cup.
"First of all, I want to thank God for this opportunity, and I also want to thank the club for their trust in me. I've always wanted to play in the Premier League, and I'm so excited now that my opportunity is here," he told club media.
"We are new to the league, so we need to fight, and I want to be a part of that. I've seen the recent games and think the group looks fresh and energetic.
"Now, I just want to be as important as possible for this club. I'm ready, and I can't wait to see the fans in the stadium."
Sunderland sporting director Kristjaan Speakman added: "We are delighted that Lutsharel has joined us for the 2025-26 season.
"He was extremely motivated by our proposal from the very beginning, and the opportunity to bring such a high-calibre player to the club on loan was a perfect fit for us.
"Competition for his signature was high, but the combination of our club, city, and fanbase ultimately made the difference."
'Ballard is made of glass - we need another centre-back'published at 07:05 BST 1 September
07:05 BST 1 September
Image source, Getty Images
We asked for your views on what is still needed by Sunderland on transfer deadline day.
Here are some of your comments:
Stu: All in all, I'm more than pleased with the business the club have done this summer. We look a competitive and strong Premier League side who, if we can avoid injuries, can survive comfortably. That said, I would like to see if we can add a futher forward player and the pending Lucumi deal before the deadline.
Johnathan: Another right-sided attacking midfielder similar to the mould of Enzo. Otherwise, I suspect we will become lopsided and therefore easier to counter.
Lucas: The club have been working really hard on the Lucumi deal, but I fear it may not go through in time so I hope we have a back-up lined up. Would also love to see us bring in one more experienced body, ideally up front. A Danny Welbeck return would be next level.
Jeff: A central defender and a striker with Premier League experience. No more buying in unknowns to develop and sell on at a later date. Our main priority is staying up.
Rob: At least another centre-back. Ballard is made of glass.
