Everton vs Sunderland
English Premier League
Date: Saturday, 25th February 2017
Kick off at 15:00 UK/ 16:00 CET
Venue: Goodison Park.
English Premier League
Date: Saturday, 25th February 2017
Kick off at 15:00 UK/ 16:00 CET
Venue: Goodison Park.
Everton
The Europa League might be seen as an unnecessary distraction in England, but the performances of Liverpool and Manchester United over the last couple of years might be changing the mindset about a competition that does offer a route into the Champions League. For a team like Everton, this might be the best chance of getting into the top European competition so a place in the Europa League is one Ronald Koeman would love to earn in his first season at Goodison Park.
At the moment Everton are in 7th place in the Premier League, but that might be good enough to secure a Europa League berth if Manchester United win the English Football League Cup and two of the top six then compete in the FA Cup Final. Koeman will still be looking to improve the current position, but Everton are 7 points behind 6th placed Manchester United and have to keep the wins coming at home where they are 7-4-1 in the Premier League this season.
Everton are unbeaten in their last 8 Premier League games coming into the weekend, but they have been knocked out of the FA Cup in a surprise loss to Leicester City at home in that time. The side have won their last 3 Premier League games at Goodison Park and Everton have scored 13 goals and conceded 3 in those wins.
James McCarthy, Kevin Mirallas and Romelu Lukaku have had two weeks to build their fitness and all should be available for this game this weekend.
Sunderland
David Moyes decided to take his Sunderland squad to New York City in their two week gap between games to try and build some team spirit as The Black Cats continue their annual fight against relegation. Those previous experiences might give Sunderland the belief they can still get out of trouble, but games are beginning to run out and they need to start picking up consistent points.
The side go into the weekend in 20th place in the Premier League table, but Sunderland are just 2 points from safety. Their goal difference is an issue, while Sunderland have a 2-1-9 away record in the Premier League which puts more pressure on them to keep picking up points in their home games.
Sunderland have won 1 of their last 10 games in all competitions, but that came in their last away game at Crystal Palace when they led 0-4 by half time. However Sunderland were beaten 0-4 at home by Southampton two weeks ago to knock back any confidence they gained from the win at Selhurst Park. The side have lost 6 straight away from home before the win at Crystal Palace.
Jordan Pickford is on the road to recovery, but the young goalkeeper may not be ready this weekend. Papy Djilobodji is suspended until next weekend.
