Liam Duckstein
Everton hosts Sunderland at Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool for the penultimate round of the 2025/26 Premier League season. With both sides sitting mid-table and separated by just one point, this clash holds significance for final league placements and momentum. Both clubs have struggled for consistent wins lately, but with Sunderland showing some spark and Everton always competitive at home, there’s a tactical battle expected. An intriguing subplot is the duel between Everton’s James Tarkowski, who has contributed both defensively and offensively lately, and Sunderland’s Granit Xhaka, the engine of their midfield. Both could swing the match. Jordan Pickford in goal for Everton and Robin Roefs for Sunderland will also play key roles in keeping their defences steady.
Hot stat: Everton have drawn their last three league matches, each featuring at least four goals—offering value for those who look at high-scoring draws.
| 🏆 Tournament: | English Premier League 2025/26 Regular Season |
| 🏟 Venue: | Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool |
| 🗓️ Date: | 17.05.2026 |
| ⏰ Time: | 16:00 CEST |
Everton vs Sunderland prediction
We predict Everton will edge out Sunderland in a match likely to see goals on both sides. The Toffees’ recent home draws against high-calibre opposition, coupled with Sunderland’s tendency to concede, suggest an open contest. Sunderland’s away defence remains vulnerable, but they carry enough threat going forward, with Wilson Isidor showing flashes of quality up front and Xhaka dictating the tempo. Everton’s attacking options, particularly Thierno Barry and Beto, have delivered in recent games.
Both teams play an aggressive style; Everton has amassed 12 yellow cards and 47 fouls in their last five games, while Sunderland isn’t far behind with 9 yellows and 47 fouls. Both commit high numbers of fouls, but Everton have a slightly higher card count. Sunderland has a better passing rate and more interceptions, which may lead to rapid transitions. Expect the match to be open, with plenty of physical duels and chances at both ends.
| 🔥Hot Tip: | Draw & Both Teams To Score |
| ⚽Total Goals: | Over 2.5 |
| 💥Both Teams To Score: | Yes |
| 🎯Total Corners: | Over 8.5 |
Team Analysis
Everton’s last match was a 2-2 home draw against Crystal Palace. Moyes’s team showed character, coming from behind and maintaining pressure throughout. Before that, they drew 3-3 with Manchester City and suffered narrow defeats. Everton’s ability to score multiple goals, even against top teams, stands out, but defensive lapses remain a problem. The pattern of conceding in every recent match can’t be ignored.
Sunderland’s most recent outing ended 0-0 against Manchester United, a disciplined defensive display after conceding heavily to Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa. Régis Le Bris’s side can show resilience but are often inconsistent, switching from solid to leaky performances. Xhaka’s influence in midfield helps with ball retention and breaking up play, but the attack sometimes lacks bite.
Most recent Head-to-Head Matches
| Statistic | Everton | Sunderland |
|---|---|---|
| Goals | 7 | 4 |
| Total shots | 48 | 49 |
| Free kicks | 12 | 9 |
| Corner kicks | 20 | 18 |
| Total fouls | 47 | 47 |
| Pass accuracy (%) | 77.0 | 82.0 |
| Interceptions | 26 | 34 |
| Offsides | 12 | 5 |
🚨Check out our dedicated Everton vs Sunderland stats page for more info.
Pre-game odds and win probability: Everton the favourite
- Moneyline Everton 1.82-1.89 | Sunderland 4.00-4.37
- Draw 3.60-3.90
- Over/Under Over 2.5 2.10 | Under 2.5 1.70
- BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 1.65 | No 2.10
Bookmakers set Everton as the clear favourite, with their home form and marginally better season record reflected in the odds. Sunderland’s price is longer, which matches their inconsistent form and slightly worse goal difference. The draw price is tempting, given both teams’ recent trend for high-scoring stalemates. The value is strongest in BTTS and Over 2.5 Goals, given each side’s defensive struggles and attacking output.
Possible Starting Lineups
Everton possible starting eleven
- GK: Jordan Pickford
- DF: Vitaliy Mykolenko, Michael Keane, James Tarkowski, Jake O’Brien
- MF: James Garner, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Idrissa Gueye
- FW: Thierno Barry, Beto, Iliman Ndiaye
Pickford remains an automatic choice in goal. Tarkowski and Mykolenko are defensive leaders, with Keane and O’Brien making up the back line. In midfield, Dewsbury-Hall and Garner handle distribution and transitions, while Gueye breaks up play. Barry and Ndiaye offer creativity out wide, and Beto provides a focal point in attack. The 4-2-3-1 formation looks set to continue, maximizing the strengths of their most consistent performers.
Sunderland possible starting eleven
- GK: Robin Roefs
- DF: Trai Hume, Dan Ballard, Nordi Mukiele, Reinildo Isnard Mandava
- MF: Granit Xhaka, Enzo Le Fée, Noah Sadiki
- FW: Wilson Isidor, Chris Rigg, Brian Brobbey
Roefs should start in goal. Hume, Ballard, Mukiele, and Mandava are the most used defenders recently. Xhaka anchors the midfield, supported by Le Fée and Sadiki. The forward trio features Isidor and Rigg, with Brobbey providing physical presence up top. Sunderland’s 4-2-3-1 can shift into a more attacking shape when needed. Xhaka and Isidor are the ones to watch for creativity and drive.
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Sunderland. Source: Official Website
TipsGG Match Prediction
We predict a high-scoring contest, with Everton likely to secure at least a point—possibly a 2-2 draw or a narrow 3-2 win. Both teams have struggled to close out games but offer enough threat to get on the scoresheet. Everton’s attack looks sharper, but Sunderland’s midfield will trouble them. To be honest, backing Both Teams to Score and Over 2.5 Goals is our best bet.
