Sunderland Fans Advised to Plan Ahead for Crystal Palace Trip Amid Travel Disruption

Sunderland supporters heading to Selhurst Park this Saturday for the Premier League clash against Crystal Palace have been issued key travel advice, with planned engineering works set to disrupt rail services in south London. The Black Cats are expected to bring a strong away following as Régis Le Bris’ side look to build on their promising start to the season.

🚧 Norwood Junction Closure Prompts Travel Warning

Due to scheduled engineering works, Norwood Junction station will be closed on matchday, meaning no trains will stop there. Fans are being advised to use Thornton Heath and Selhurst stations instead, both of which are within walking distance of the stadium. However, increased demand is expected to cause crowding and queues at these alternative stations.

To ease congestion and improve access, Selhurst Park turnstiles will open two hours before kick-off, from 1pm BST, allowing fans extra time to enter the stadium ahead of the 3pm start.

Sunderland have urged supporters to check their travel routes in advance and arrive early to avoid delays and ensure a smooth matchday experience.

🔴 Black Cats Aim for First Away Points

Sunderland head into the fixture with six points from their opening three matches, having recorded impressive home wins over West Ham and Brentford. Their only away outing so far ended in a 2–0 defeat at Burnley, and Le Bris will be keen to see his side claim their first points on the road.

With the away allocation expected to sell out, the atmosphere at Selhurst Park promises to be electric as the Black Cats continue their Premier League journey.

💬 Le Bris “Really Positive” About Survival Prospects

Speaking ahead of the match, head coach Régis Le Bris expressed confidence in Sunderland’s ability to compete in the top flight following a transformative summer.

“One of the main challenges when you get promoted like that is to strengthen the squad… and I think so far we are really good,” Le Bris said. “We are well-organised and ambitious.”

Sunderland spent over £150 million during the transfer window, bringing in a host of new talent including Switzerland international Granit Xhaka, who joined from Bayer Leverkusen in a deal worth around £17.5 million.

Le Bris praised the club’s ownership and recruitment team for their backing and strategic planning, noting that while challenges lie ahead, the squad is well-equipped to meet them.

🔮 Looking Ahead

Saturday’s clash with Crystal Palace will be a key test of Sunderland’s progress and resilience. With travel disruption in play and a tough opponent awaiting, the Black Cats will rely on their passionate fanbase and newfound squad depth to push for a result.

Supporters are reminded to plan ahead, travel safely, and arrive early — because Sunderland’s Premier League journey is just getting started.