Everton vs Sunderland: Match Preview

As the Premier League season winds down, Everton and Sunderland clash at Goodison Park on May 17, promising a mid-table scrap with little at stake beyond pride. It's a fixture that's drawn more than once this year, and I reckon we're in for another tight encounter.

These two sides have locked horns twice already in 2026, ending in stalemates both times. Back in November, Sunderland held Everton to a 1-1 draw, and then January's FA Cup tie finished the same way. That pattern suggests neither team can gain the upper hand easily, which makes for a cagey affair.

And let's not forget the injury woes piling up. Everton will miss Jack Grealish and Jarrad Branthwaite, both sidelined until the season's final days. That's a blow to their attack and defense, respectively. Sunderland aren't faring much better; they're without Romaine Mundle, Nilson Angulo, and Simon Moore, which could disrupt their flanks and goalkeeping stability.

But on the flip side, Everton sit comfortably in 10th with 49 points, edging out Sunderland in 12th on 48. They've got a trio of top scorers in Beto, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, and Thierno Barry, each netting eight goals, plus James Garner's creative spark in assists. For Sunderland, Granit Xhaka leads the way with six assists, and Brian Brobbey keeps things lively up front. It's a matchup where Everton's slight edge in the table might just tip the scales.

With both teams mid-table and no real pressure from relegation or the top spots, expect a professional performance rather than all-out war. I think Everton should edge this one, given their extra point and home advantage. They're the more settled side right now.

Now, onto the bets. I'm eyeing a few options based on the data we've got.