Venue: Goodison Park
Date: 25/02/2017
Kick-off: 15:00 (BST)
Match
Everton managed to extend their unbeaten run in the Premier League to eight matches with a 0-0 away draw against Middlesbrough before the mini break and although the Toffees would have undoubtedly wanted a win, manager Ronald Koeman was pleased with his side’s efforts on the day.
Now Everton will be looking to return to winning ways this weekend as they welcome a struggling Sunderland and David Moyes to Goodison Park and it will be interesting to see if Koeman’s men are able to further continue their fine run on the day.
Everton Team News
Everton are still without the likes of Muhamed Besic and Yannick Bolasie but apart from the two long term absentees, Koeman will be able to call on the services of the full complement of players from the squad.
It is expected that Koeman will go with a four man backline for the game which means that the quartet of Leighton Baines, Seamus Coleman, Ashley Williams and Ramiro Funes Mori will be starting in front of in-form custodian Joel Robles.
Koeman is spoilt for choice in midfield at the moment and it is expected that the dynamic combination of Tom Davies, Morgan Schneiderlin and Idrissa Gueye will all be starting while Gareth Barry and James McCarthy will also be pushing for inclusion.
Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley look set to be certain starters every week and it will be a fight between the likes of Kevin Mirallas, Ademola Lookman, Enner Valencia and Aaron Lennon for a place on the wings ahead of the game.
Probable Lineups
Everton (Probable XI): Robles; Funes Mori, Williams, Coleman, Baines; Davies, Gueye, Schneiderlin; Barkley, Lookman, Lukaku
Sunderland (Probable XI): Pickford; Denayer, O’Shea, Kone; Oviedo, Larsson, N’Dong, Gibson, Jones; Januzaj, Defoe
Last Meeting
12/09/2016 Sunderland 0 – 3 Everton
11/05/2016 Sunderland 3 – 0 Everton
Prediction
Everton claimed a stunning 6-2 victory over Sunderland during the corresponding fixture last season and although the Toffees are favourites ahead of the game, a repeat result looks very unlikely.
Sunderland are fighting for their lives near the bottom of the Premier League table and one can be sure that the Black Cats will look to give Everton a run for their money.
That being said, Everton have managed to hit form since the turn of the year and considering their much more superior side to Sunderland, a comfortable home victory is likely to be on the cards.
Everton 2 – 0 Sunderland
