You've slightly lost me, but I sort of see what you mean.

Yannick Bolasie sends a cross into the area for Connor Wickham, its headed away but only as far as Yohan Cabaye, lurking on the edge of the area. He can't get his shot off and Sunderland break quickly again, this time Lee Cattermole tearing open the defence with a ball for Jermain Defoe, but he can't get his shot on target.

Good, open game so far!

Image source, Getty Images

Steve Claridge
BBC Radio 5 Live

Alexander Greensmith: Pardew for longevity, Big Sam wants it but Sunderland will taint his career in my opinion. Though I feel it will be Southgate or Neville next after a QF finish at Euro 2016.

Alistair Rodgers: I hate to say it but pardew has got to be a contender next time the England job becomes available 

Anthony Rothwell: Sam Allardyce. always done the that was needed doing. Pardew struggled at charlton and west ham. So id say big sam is of the more deserving. 

Image source, Reuters

Image source, Reuters

Connor Wickham, acting as a lone striker, will be desperate to bag a goal against his former side tonight. He's not seen much of the ball yet as Sunderland embark on their second attack of the game with a quick break ending with Patrick van Aanholt, curling a low shot wide just inside the area.

It's only a joke! Big Sam is only pretending to bang his head here. Maybe feeling the restrictions not only in the dugout, but also the Premier League. Even if his side win tonight they won't climb out of the relegation zone.

Image source, Getty Images

Yannick Bolasie shows off some fancy footwork just inside the Crystal Palace half, before his cross is deflected behind for a corner. Jason Puncheon takes it drilling the ball into the box, but it is poor and Sunderland clear.

Steve Claridge
BBC Radio 5 Live

Sunderland's formation - with five at the back - suggests they are taking no chances tonight but it is the away side who has the first effort on goal, Jermain Defoe nodding a ball into the box down for Steven Fletcher, but he spoons a shot well over.

And the game gets under way.

Image source, Reuters

The players from both teams link arms as the French national anthem "La Marseillaise" is played to remember the 130 people who died in the Paris attacks earlier this month. French midfielder Yohan Cabaye sings the words.

A minute or so away from kick-off. First observation of the night - Sunderland's lime green kit is horrible.

Right then, the players are out on what is a chilly night in London. The cold weather has not put the fans off, though, with Selhurst Park apparently sold out.

Image source, Getty Images

Sunderland boss Sam Allardyce: "We've got goalscorers in Jermain Defoe and Steven Fletcher tonight. When you have a team you have just taken over you have to find various combinations. With John O'Shea at left back we will hopefully nullify Palace's strength on the wing."

Crystal Palace boss Alan Pardew: "Sunderland manager Sam Allardyce will play five at the back tonight and have a system that will cause us problems, although it didn't work for him against Everton. Connor Wickham is in attack tonight for us. He hasn't scored for us yet but his link-up play is massive."

You can tell the nights are getting colder. Although many continental footballers appear to still wear gloves in mid-May these days, the mascots demonstrating gloves, thermals AND hats suggest we're in for a cold night at Selhurst Park.

Image source, Reuters

Jonathan Pearce
BBC football commentator

 "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."