Everton will face Sunderland this Sunday afternoon, aiming to break their longest winless streak of the season. Currently positioned tenth in the league, Everton trails European qualification spots by four points. Last weekend’s match against Crystal Palace ended in a frustrating draw, despite the team twice taking the lead. Securing maximum points in this fixture is crucial for Everton’s continental ambitions.
Match Overview
This matchup will mark the conclusion of Everton’s inaugural season at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. So far, they have garnered twenty-three points from their eighteen home matches. Recent performances have been unpredictable, with goals frequently scored at both ends. Manager David Moyes is emphasizing intense focus to ensure a strong home finish.
Everton Team News
- Idrissa Gana Gueye is ruled out due to a minor injury.
- Jack Grealish is unavailable because of an ongoing foot issue.
- Central defender Jarrad Branthwaite will also miss out with a thigh injury.
- Jake O’Brien is expected to take Branthwaite’s starting position.
Veteran full-back Seamus Coleman will bid farewell to home fans in what is anticipated to be his last appearance. If he takes the field, he will ascend to tenth on Everton’s all-time appearances list. The team has a history of winning their final home league match for the past five seasons.
Midfield and Attack Strategy
Midfield duties will be addressed by Tim Iroegbunam and James Garner, who are tasked with neutralizing Sunderland’s counter-attacks. The creativity of Merlin Röhl and Iliman Ndiaye will be vital in breaking through the visitor’s defensive lines. Up front, striker Beto will be pivotal, having scored five goals in his last five matches.
Predicted Lineup for Everton
The anticipated starting XI for Everton includes:
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Goalkeeper | Jordan Pickford |
| Defender | Jake O’Brien |
| Defender | Michael Keane |
| Defender | James Tarkowski |
| Defender | Vitaliy Mykolenko |
| Midfielder | James Garner |
| Midfielder | Tim Iroegbunam |
| Midfielder | Merlin Röhl |
| Midfielder | Harvey Dewsbury-Hall |
| Midfielder | Iliman Ndiaye |
| Forward | Beto |
Match Timing and Viewing Options
The match will kick off at 15:00 BST on Sunday, 17 May 2026, at Hill Dickinson Stadium. UK viewers can enjoy the game live on Sky Sports Premier League, with streaming options available through the Sky Go app.
