Sunderland defender Phil Bardsley has claimed that it is "vital" for the team to beat Crystal Palace in the Premier League this weekend.

The Black Cats are currently one point adrift of safety in the table, while Palace are two points clear of the drop zone.

Bardsley believes that Palace will be difficult opponents when the sides meet at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

"This is another massive week for us because the Palace game is absolutely vital," he is quoted as saying by Sky Sports News.

"Palace will be well organised, because Tony Pulis has that wherever he goes. They will be very hard to beat."

Sunderland have suffered two defeats in their last two Premier League matches.