Venue: Stadium of Light
Date: 09/11/2014
Kick-off: 13:30 (BST)
Match
Everton maintained their unbeaten run in the Premier League with a 0-0 draw against Swansea City last week but the Toffees would have been a bit disappointed not to claim all three points from the match.
The convincing 3-0 victory over Lille during the midweek Europa League clash would have handed Everton a huge boost though and as a result, Roberto Martinez’s men head into Sunday’s Premier League fixture against Sunderland with a lot of confidence.
Given their wonderful run of form, Everton should head into the game as favourites but Sunderland have proven to be difficult opponents for the Toffees in the past and the clash this weekend at the Stadium of Light will surely be no different.
Everton Team News
Kevin Mirallas, Bryan Oviedo, Arouna Kone and John Stones all remain sidelined for the clash and to add to Everton’s injury woes, defender Antolin Alcaraz has also been ruled out with a long term shoulder injury.
In the absence of Alcaraz, Sylvain Distin is set to partner Phil Jagielka at the heart of the defence. Tony Hibbert started on the right back position for Everton against Lille, but Seamus Coleman will most likely make a return for Sunday’s clash while Leighton Baines will retain his place on the left.
The clockwork duo of James McCarthy and Gareth Barry will continue in central midfield while on the wings Steven Naismith and Aiden McGeady should get the nod to start. However, the duo of Leon Osman and Christian Atsu will also be in contention after performing very well in Europe in midweek.
After being handed a night off in the clash against Lille, veteran striker Samuel Eto’o looks set to make a return to the starting lineup and he will be partnered by young Romelu Lukaku in attack.
Probable Lineups
Sunderland (Probable XI): Pantilimon; Vergini, O’Shea, Reveillere, Brown; Wickham, Gomez , Larsson, Bridcutt, Buckley; Fletcher
Everton (Probable XI): Howard; Baines, Distin, Jagielka, Coleman; McGeady, Barry, McCarthy, Naismith; Lukaku, Eto’o
Form
Sunderland: D W L L W
Everton: W D W D W
Last Meeting
12/04/2014 Sunderland 0 – 1 Everton
26/12/2013 Everton 0 – 1 Sunderland
Prediction
Everton are the form team heading into the game and allied by the superior quality in their side, the Toffees should be classed as slight favourites.
However, barring Sunderland’s 8-0 annihilation at the hands of Southampton – they have proven to be stubborn opponents this season and the Black Cats are sure to give Everton a rough ride on Sunday.
The defensive solidity that had been missing at the start of the season seems to have returned for Everton in recent times but with injuries ravaging their backline, things can get a bit tricky for the Toffees’ defence on Sunday – especially with Steven Fletcher on top form at the moment.
The midfield battle on the day should be enticing as both teams possess a good set of players at the middle of the park. In terms of passing abilities, James McCarthy and Gareth Barry have the advantage but the likes of Sebastian Larsson and Liam Bridcutt are combative players and it will be interesting to see which duo will come out on top on the day.
Sunderland have defensive problems of their own and as a result, Samuel Eto’o and Romelu Lukaku will probably be rubbing their hands in anticipation.
The match will be a tightly fought battle but Everton seem to have the upper hand in all areas of the pitch and should be able to emerge as narrow victors.
Sunderland 1 – 2 Everton
