Everton welcome Sunderland to Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday with both sides still clinging to slim hopes of securing European football next season, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this late-season Premier League clash.
While neither club is among the favourites to break into the European places, a strong finish to the campaign could yet leave the door slightly open.
Everton have improved significantly under David Moyes during the second half of the season, with their form on home soil giving supporters genuine optimism of European football throughout the season.
Sunderland, meanwhile, have enjoyed an impressive first season back in the Premier League and continue to exceed expectations under Régis Le Bris.
The Black Cats’ goal for this season was to survive; now that they have done that, they have shifted their goal to obtaining the best possible finish and will see this game as one they can win.
Previous meetings between these teams this season have been closely fought, with a draw on Wearside in the reverse fixture and a Sunderland victory on penalties in the FA Cup in January at the Hill Dickinson.
Sunderland were impressive in a draw against Man United at the Stadium of Light last week, and probably deserved all three points from the game.
Everton were also held to a point at Selhurst Park by Crystal Palace in a 2-2 thriller, which saw Beto one the scoresheet for the Toffees once again.
With both clubs still holding outside ambitions of a top-seven finish, Sunday’s showdown could prove more competitive than many might expect.
What are the best picks for Everton vs Sunderland?
Under 2.5 Goals
Despite both teams still holding faint hopes of sneaking into Europe, this matchup has all the makings of a tense and cautious affair.
Everton have been difficult to break down at home under David Moyes, while Sunderland have generally approached tougher away fixtures with a more disciplined setup.
Neither team are among the best in the league when it comes to creating chances either, so opportunities to score may be at a premium.
Previous meetings between these sides this season have also been closely contested, and with so much potentially on the line, chances could come at a premium on Sunday.
Enzo Le Fée to Score or Assist
Enzo Le Fée has quietly become one of Sunderland’s most influential attacking players this season, especially when deployed in his more natural position in the middle of the park.
The French midfielder has shown he can produce moments of quality against stronger opposition, and his set-piece delivery also gives him multiple routes to contribute.
In what is expected to be a tight game, Le Fée looks like Sunderland’s most likely player to make something happen in the final third.
Where can I watch Everton vs Sunderland?
Fans in the USA can watch Everton vs Sunderland live on either NBC Sports Network or stream the match on Peacock. Kickoff is scheduled for 10:00 AM ET.
In the UK, Everton vs Sunderland will be shown live on Sky Sports Premier League, with kickoff scheduled for 15:00 BST.
What is Everton’s current form?
D-L-L-D-D
What is Sunderland’s current form?
W-L-L-D-D
What is Everton’s predicted team?
Pickford – O’Brien, Tarkowski, Keane, Mykolenko – Iroegbunam, Garner, Rohl, Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye – Beto.
Doubts: Gueye.
Injured: Branthwaite, Grealish.
What is Sunderland’s predicted team?
Roefs – Geertruida, Mukiele, Alderete, Reinildo – Xhaka, Sadiki, Hume, Le Fee, Talbi – Brobbey.
Suspended: Ballard
Doubts: Traore
Injured: Mundle
What were the results of the last five head-to-head matches between Everton and Sunderland?
10/01/2026 – Everton 1-4 Sunderland (FA Cup – Penalties)
03/11/2025 – Sunderland 1-1 Everton (EPL)
20/09/2017 – Everton 3-0 Sunderland (EFL Cup)
25/02/2017 – Everton 2-0 Sunderland (EPL)
12/09/2016 – Sunderland 0-3 Everton (EPL)
