Palace haven’t played on Wearside since a 0-0 draw in January 2007 and have only ever played six games at Sunderland since the Black Cats' move to Monkwearmouth.
Gus Poyet’s side have 12 league games remaining – two more than Palace – and just three points separate the teams going into the game.
A Sunderland win could see the hosts leapfrog the Eagles, who have a slightly inferior goal difference, depending on results elsewhere.
Palace took all three points in the reverse fixture earlier in the season, one of six home wins they’ve recorded this season.
The South London club have won twice on the road, drawing one further game and losing on 10 occasions, scoring six goals and conceding 20.
The Selhurst Park outfit were joint bottom of the table when Tony Pulis took charge on November 23, having gained seven points from their first 12 games.
The former Stoke boss galvanised the squad and has picked up 20 points from 16 games so far. However, his side have lost three of their last five matches.
Sunderland, who haven’t played a league game since February 22, are currently eighth in the Barclays Premier League form table having taken 10 points from their last six games, while Palace’s return of seven points over six fixtures places them 17th.