Match Preview: Everton vs Sunderland - prediction, team news, live stream

Premier League Sunday Showdown

With the Premier League season nearing its climax, Everton host Sunderland at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, with the Toffees seeking to bounce back from a string of underwhelming results. The visitors, meanwhile, will be looking to capitalize on their opponents' recent struggles and claim a vital win. The current table sees the top teams pulling away, with Arsenal and Manchester City leading the pack, while Everton's recent form has left them outside the top six.

Match Details

• Competition: Premier League (England)
• Venue: Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool
• Kick-off: Sunday, 17 May 2026 • 15:00 UK Time
• Referee: J. Brooks

Current Form

Everton's recent home form has been underwhelming, with a string of draws and defeats leaving them without a win in their last few matches. In contrast, Sunderland have shown glimpses of promise on the road, although their overall away record remains inconsistent. The Black Cats will be looking to build on their recent performances and catch their opponents off guard.

Team News & Lineups

Everton will be without key players J. Branthwaite and J. Grealish due to injury, while I. Gueye's participation is uncertain. Sunderland, meanwhile, will be missing D. Ballard and R. Mundle, with B. Traore's fitness also a concern. These absences may lead to some tweaks in the starting lineups, with Everton potentially adopting a more cautious approach and Sunderland looking to exploit their opponents' weaknesses.

Head-to-Head

The most recent encounter between the two teams ended in a 1-1 draw, suggesting a closely contested match. While the head-to-head history is limited, this result indicates that Sunderland can hold their own against Everton, and they will be looking to build on this performance.

Tactical Analysis

Given the lack of specific tactical data, it is likely that both teams will adopt their usual formations and playing styles. Everton may look to dominate possession, while Sunderland could focus on quick counter-attacks and exploiting their opponents' defensive vulnerabilities. The battle in midfield will be crucial, with the team that gains control in this area likely to dictate the pace of the game.

Match Prediction

Based on the current form and team news, a low-scoring draw or a narrow Everton win seems likely. Expecting around 3 goals in the match, with Everton's home advantage potentially giving them the edge they need to claim a vital victory. A 1-0 or 2-1 win for the Toffees would not be surprising, although Sunderland's ability to cause an upset should not be underestimated.