Under the Lights: Sunderland eye a statement as Everton search for answers

Monday night at the Stadium of Light, and it’s got that proper big‑game crackle about it. Sunderland have banked a strong start and sit seventh, but a couple of stumbles have checked the momentum. Everton, down in 15th and fresh off a 3-0 cuffing by Spurs, arrive looking for a reaction and a bit of pride. It’s a tasty one.

Sunderland team news: late calls but confidence high

Le Bris has reasons to be upbeat. Omar Alderete has trained with the group and could be cleared from concussion protocols, while Simon Adingra has shaken off a minor hamstring issue and is available. Dan Neil is in the frame to feature as well.

There are absentees to manage: Aji Alese, Dennis Cirkin, Romain Mundle, Leo Fuhr Hjelde and Habib Diarra are all ruled out. Even so, given Sunderland’s level in recent weeks, don’t expect sweeping changes if Alderete gets the green light. Continuity has served the Black Cats well.

Everton team news: Moyes considers a reset

On the Everton side, the picture is clearer but not ideal. Jarrad Branthwaite remains sidelined as he recovers from hamstring surgery, and Nathan Patterson is unavailable after a minor groin procedure. Beyond that, Moyes has a largely fit group and, you’d fancy, a few big calls to make after that Tottenham setback.

One to watch: Carlos Alcaraz is pushing to start in the attacking midfield slot, with £28m man Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall likely to make way after a sticky run. Up top, Thierno Barry is in contention to lead the line ahead of Beto, whose £30m price tag is still waiting for lift-off. That scenario would leave the £58m duo of Dewsbury-Hall and Beto among the substitutes, alongside the likes of Merlin Rohl and Tyler Dibling.

Predicted XIs (at a glance)

Sunderland (outline): If cleared, Alderete returns at centre-back; Dan Neil resumes in midfield; Simon Adingra available to start wide. Otherwise, the core that beat Chelsea should remain intact.

Everton (outline): No Branthwaite or Patterson in defence; Carlos Alcaraz for Dewsbury-Hall in the No 10 role; Thierno Barry to spearhead the attack ahead of Beto. The rest of the side is likely to be familiar.

Tactical take

Sunderland’s energy between the lines has been a handful for most opponents, and with Neil knitting things together and Adingra stretching the touchline, they can pin Everton in and work the half-spaces. Alderete’s potential return would steady the back line on set plays—an area where Everton usually fancy themselves.

For Moyes, it’s about tempo and bravery on the ball. Alcaraz gives them forward thrust, and Barry’s willingness to run channels could open space for the midfield. Without Patterson’s overlaps and Branthwaite’s presence, though, Everton must be compact and ruthless in transitions.

Odds and ends

If you’re weighing up form and value ahead of kick-off, have a look at our best betting sites for a broader view of the market.

Verdict

Under the lights, with Sunderland buoyed by their league position and a largely settled XI, the Black Cats have to be slight favourites. Everton’s response is the wild card—if Moyes’ tweaks click, they’ve got enough to make it a scrap. Edge it to Sunderland, with the draw not far behind.