Everton Starting XI vs Sunderland: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Everton Predicted Lineup vs Sunderland: Gueye Doubt Forces Moyes Into Midfield Decision

Gueye Absence Leaves Everton Short in Midfield

Everton head into Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Sunderland carrying uncertainty in the centre of the pitch, with Idrissa Gueye expected to miss out once again. David Moyes has yet to fully clarify the midfielder’s condition, but the signs from Finch Farm suggest the Senegal international will not recover in time for the clash at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Gueye remains sidelined after missing the recent 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace with what Moyes described as a non-serious injury. Even so, Everton appear reluctant to take risks at this stage of the campaign.

That leaves a familiar question hanging over Moyes’ predicted lineup. Who carries the responsibility in midfield when Gueye’s composure and defensive awareness are absent?

Tim Iroegbunam is expected to continue alongside James Garner, with the latter growing increasingly influential during Everton’s closing weeks of the season. Garner’s energy and positional discipline have brought greater balance to the side, particularly in matches where Everton have needed resilience more than flair.

Gueye’s absence alters the tone of the team. Everton lose a player capable of slowing matches down, recovering possession and shielding the defence in moments of pressure. Against a Sunderland side likely to arrive with intensity and ambition, Moyes may need discipline more than invention.

Photo: IMAGO

Predicted Lineup Shows Stability Across Defence

Despite concerns surrounding Gueye, Everton’s predicted lineup is otherwise expected to remain relatively unchanged. Moyes has found a structure that works and recent performances suggest he sees little reason for major alterations.

Jordan Pickford will continue in goal behind a back four featuring Jake O’Brien, Michael Keane, James Tarkowski and Vitaliy Mykolenko. Injuries to Jarrad Branthwaite have removed competition in central defence, leaving Keane and Tarkowski to continue their partnership after both contributed goals and assists against Crystal Palace.

There is a ruggedness to Everton under Moyes once again. Matches are rarely polished but they are competitive, organised and emotionally charged. The home support has responded to that honesty.

One emotional subplot surrounds Seamus Coleman. Confirmation of his departure at the end of the season has created an atmosphere of reflection around the club captain, although he is unlikely to start. Even from the bench, however, Coleman’s presence will carry weight on what could become a significant afternoon at Goodison Park’s successor venue.

Everton’s likely starting XI is expected to be:

Pickford; O’Brien, Keane, Tarkowski, Mykolenko; Garner, Iroegbunam; Rohl, Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye; Beto.

Beto Form Gives Everton Fresh Attacking Edge

If Gueye’s injury creates concern, Beto’s recent form offers Everton genuine encouragement.

The striker has found rhythm at precisely the right moment, scoring five goals in his last five Premier League appearances. Remarkably, that tally exceeds his combined output from the previous 30 league matches this season.

There is renewed conviction in his movement now. Confidence changes strikers and Beto suddenly looks decisive rather than hesitant. Against Crystal Palace he carried Everton’s attack with aggression and purpose, unsettling defenders who struggled to match his physicality.

Moyes will hope that continues against Sunderland.

Behind him, Iliman Ndiaye and Merlin Rohl are expected to provide support from wide positions, while Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall should operate centrally in attack. Jack Grealish remains unavailable with a foot injury, limiting Moyes’ options in the final third.

What Everton have rediscovered recently is momentum. Not necessarily beautiful football, but enough rhythm and belief to make opponents uncomfortable. The crowd senses it too.

Sunderland Test Carries Late-Season Pressure

Sunderland arrive needing points of their own and Everton know this will not resemble a routine end-of-season fixture. Promoted sides often carry freedom at this stage and Régis Le Bris has encouraged his players to attack without fear.

That means Everton cannot rely solely on atmosphere or emotion.

Without Gueye, Everton may need to simplify the game. Win second balls, dominate physically and trust the structure that Moyes has rebuilt over recent months. There is little glamour in that approach, but Everton under Moyes have rarely depended on glamour.

Instead, this predicted lineup reflects pragmatism, discipline and familiarity.

For supporters, the bigger picture matters too. Everton appear steadier than they did earlier in the campaign and there are signs the club are rebuilding an identity rooted in resilience. Results such as the draw at Crystal Palace have reinforced belief that Moyes is shaping a side capable of competing consistently again.

Sunday becomes another examination of that progress.