Everton vs Sunderland: Match Preview and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Everton host Sunderland in the club's final home fixture of the 2025-26 Premier League season this weekend.

A five-game winless run has put the brakes on the Blues’ push for Europe, with maximum points required against Saturday’s visitors to maintain fading hopes.

Last weekend’s 2-2 draw at Crystal Palace saw the Toffees twice lead, but goals from Ismaila Sarr and Jean-Philippe Mateta ensured the Eagles took home a share of the spoils. Recent defensive lapses have been an issue, and it’s now five games without a clean sheet. Shoring up the backline should be the first step towards snapping the winless streak.

The fixture will conclude the club’s first campaign at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Everton have taken 23 points from the previous 18 games at the ground, recording six wins, five draws, and seven losses.

Sunderland, who have impressed on their return to the top tier, visit Hill Dickinson for the second time this season. The Black Cats won on penalties in the FA Cup’s third round back in January.

Team News

Everton team news

David Moyes will provide an update on Idrissa Gana Gueye ahead of the clash, with the veteran having missed the last two fixtures. Last week, Moyes said the 36-year-old’s issue ‘was not a serious injury’ and expected him back ‘soon’. Gana Gueye was not pictured in the training gallery photos posted on Thursday.

The fixture could see Seamus Coleman make his final home appearance for Everton. The club captain’s deal is due to expire in the summer.

Jack Grealish and Jarrad Branthwaite are confirmed absentees, with each having seen their season ended prematurely.

Sunderland team news

Sunderland are set to be without centre-back Dan Ballard through suspension. The Northern Ireland international will serve the second of a three-game ban, following his straight red card for pulling the hair of Wolves forward Tolu Arokodare. Romaine Mundle is also sidelined with a thigh injury.

Everton Predicted Lineup (4-2-3-1)

Pickford; O'Brien, Tarkowski, Keane, Mykolenko; Garner, Ireogbunam; McNeil, Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye; Beto.

Everton vs Sunderland: Match Details

How to Watch Everton vs Sunderland

The game will be televised on Sky Sports Premier League in the UK. All can follow updates here, on the ToffeeWeb Live Forum.

Mal van Schaick 2 Posted 15/05/2026 at 12:50:58

Let's hope that we don't need VAR, because we haven't had one positive decision all season.

A convincing home wIn would be nice. 3-0.

Jack Convery 3 Posted 15/05/2026 at 13:06:47

I see the VAR panel has judged Silva to have fouled Rohl and it should have been a penalty! That's alright then... NOT!

That's 3 penalties we should have had and didn't get. Apparently it's 23 for the season for the Premier League fixtured. Shameful.

I won't hold my breath for a changed centre-back pairing or a different right-back. How about giving George a run-out, Moyesiah?

Jay Harris 4 Posted 15/05/2026 at 16:07:54

I would just like to see the team get on the front foot and stay there instead of sitting back once we take the lead.

I get the feeling that the "leaders" on the pitch, ie, James Tarkowski, Michael Keane, Jimmy Garner, are too defensive-minded and conservative. We need some character up front to demand more front-foot football and less caution.

Jay Harris 5 Posted 15/05/2026 at 22:31:11

On just checking only Arsenal City and Brighton have conceded fewer goals than us, so it's not that disastrous at the back. It just seems like it because we have conceded goals at critical times in games where the result went against us.

If we had got the correct decisions, we would be right up there with the other shower.

We've been unfortunate of late and likely should be higher in the table. Poor decisions from the officials, players, and manager have left us with a lot to do to finish the season on a high.

Two wins from our last two would mean we've had an ‘alright' season, can we do it and then kick on next season? Time will tell.

It would be nice to see George or Dibling start in the McNeil slot, doubt it will happen but we should try something different as it would buoy the fans -- perhaps temporarily or perhaps not!

Billy Shears 7 Posted 16/05/2026 at 06:54:59

A drab end-of-season type game for both teams.

A can't see Moyes changing much round... so another draw is on the cards.

1-1 methinks!

Laurie Hartley 8 Posted 16/05/2026 at 09:35:14

Harry,

I am surprised you have put McNeil in at the expense of Rohl. Surely after his display last time out, he deserves to retain his place?\

I watched Sunderland v Man Utd and Sunderland could have won 3-0. They won't be a pushover.

Michael Kenrick 9 Posted 16/05/2026 at 09:42:53

Laurie,

I asked Harry about that and he said, "Unfortunately it's what I think Moyes will do... Not what I would!"

So there you have it. The Moyesiah strikes again!!!

Ajay Gopal 10 Posted 16/05/2026 at 09:50:40

I would like to see:

Beto Ndiaye Dewsbury-Hall Alcaraz Garner Iroegbunam Mykolenko Tarkowski O'Brien Patterson Pickford

Subs: George, Armstrong, Dibling, Barry

John Collins 11 Posted 16/05/2026 at 09:51:09

Will it be another safety-first, backs-to-the-wall, "sit in and try to pinch one" type of game?