Everton Set To Struggle To Break Down Sunderland

Sunderland host Europa League success stories Everton in the Premier League this afternoon (Sunday 9th November, 13:30) hoping to build on their hard-earned 3-1 win over Crystal Palace last weekend. The Toffees are unbeaten in five games and should be worthy competitors for the Stadium of Light outfit who are buoyant off the back of only their second win of the season.

Scottish striker Steven Fletcher broke the deadlock in the first half against Palace who fought back forcing a Wes Brown own goal. A Jordi Gomez effort ten minutes from time saw the Black Cats back in the driving seat following the dismissal of the home side`s captain Mile Jedinak before a second goal from Fletcher put the game to bed.

The result proved to be a much needed boost for Gus Poyet`s men who had been put to the sword twice in the space of a week with an 8-0 trouncing away at Southampton followed by a 2-0 home defeat at the hands of Arsenal. It was an identical 3-1 win at home to Stoke City a fortnight before the game against the Saints that ended Sunderland`s six game wait for their first Premier League victory of the season. An early Connor Wickham goal in the fourth minute put the North-East side ahead before being cancelled out by Charlie Adams` 15th minute leveller. It was another brace from Fletcher that secured the result for the strugglers against a Potters side who were unbeaten in their three previous matches.

Twenty-seven-year-old Fletcher has hit a fine patch of form with his pair of braces after failing to hit the back of the net before the Stoke clash. The former Wolves man is 13/5 with ladbrokes to score at any time and can also be backed at 17/1 with paddy Power to hit his third brace of the season.

Everton`s run began back in the middle of October with a 3-0 victory at home to Aston Villa. Captain Phil Jagielka headed home in the first half before Romelu Lukaku and Seamus Coleman added to the Goodison Park crew`s delight. This league result was followed by a 0-0 bore draw against Lille in the Europa League with their two game a week routine continuing with a trip to Burnley`s Turf Moor.

The game ended 3-1 to Roberto Martinez`s men with former Barcelona man Samuel Eto`o grabbing a goal either side of Romelu Lukaku`s scuffed strike. The team failed to score in another goalless encounter, this time against Swansea in the league before hitting three past Lille in Europe on Thursday. Captain Jagielka, Leon Osman and Stephen Naismith all claimed goals in the return fixture.

Should Everton`s goal-scoring trend that reads three, nil, three, nil, three continue, Sunderland will be keeping a clean sheet today. The Black Cats are available at 7/2 (betfair, Spreadex) to do just that, whilst a home win to nil can be backed at 6/1 with Betvictor, betway and Coral.

Everton are the favourites to win the fixture, currently on the market at 11/10 with most bookies. A Sunderland win can be obtained at 56/19 with 888sport with a draw available at 5/2 (Numerous).

Sunderland are without Patrick van Aanholt, with Antolin Alcaraz not fit for the Toffees. Both players sustained dislocated shoulders in last week`s games against Crystal Palace and Swansea respectively and will be out for a number of weeks. Tenth-placed Everton will also be without Kevin Mirallas (hamstring) whilst Gareth Barry (ankle) and Seamus Coleman (Achilles) both face late examinations.

Lee Cattermole will serve his one match suspension against the Blues after picking up the maximum of five yellow cards already this season. Poyet will have to decide whether to reinstate Vito Mannone between the sticks or whether to stick with his replacement Costel Pantilimon.

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09/11/2014     © Frixo 2026