Everton vs Sunderland preview, prediction, team news, and head-to-head

This season's revelation and newly promoted side, Sunderland, has surprisingly performed well so far, while Everton has not been performing badly for their standard. However, this fixture will determine which team advances to the next stage of the FA Cup.

Everton were held to a 1-1 draw against Wolves on Wednesday, keeping them at the 12th position on the EPL table. That fixture also shows that David Moyes' side needs a lot of improvement, especially in the team's discipline.

Since last reaching the finals of the FA Cup in 2009, the Toffees have suffered early exits in the competition and will hope to get past this round with this fixture.

Sunderland this season has proven to be a team to beat, even for the big boys in the league. The Black Cats suffered a 3-0 defeat to Brentford to end their 5 unbeaten run. Before the last match, the newly promoted side had had four draws, including against Pep's Manchester City.

With Le Bris at the helm of affairs, Sunderland will hope to avoid a third straight third-round defeat. The team's attacking line will also need to be clinical enough to get the required goals to scale to the next phase of the competition.

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Following Sunderland's return to the top flight, the two sides played out a 1-1 draw last November in their EPL first match of the season. Before then, Everton had won 5 of the last 9 matches against their visitors (D1, L3).

Both Michael Keane and Jack Grealish will miss this fixture due to suspension after being sent off in the match against Wolves. While the former received a straight red card, the latter was sent off after receiving a second yellow card after yelling at the referee.

Moyes will also be without Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gueye, who are still on international duties at the AFCON 2025 with Senegal.

For Sunderland, Le Bris will be delighted with the return of Noah Sadiki, Bertrand Traore, Arthur Masuaku, and Reinildo Mandava, after being knocked out of the AFCON tournament.

However, the French manager will still miss Habib Diarra and Chemsdine Talbi, who are still with their national teams.

Everton (4-3-3): Travers; Patterson, O’Brien, Tarkowski, Aznou; Rohl, Garner, Iroegbunam; Dibling, Beto, McNeil

​Sunderland (4-2-3-1): Patterson; Mukiele, Alderete, Ballard, Cirkin; Xhaka, Geertruida; Adingra, Le Fee, Mayenda; Brobbey

While Sunderland have impressed football fans this season, it is not a high goal-scoring side. Those betting on Livescorebet should stake on Everton to have a slight edge in this fixture, and possibly win on penalties.

Predictions: Everton 1-1 Sunderland

• Bet on over 1.5 goals.

• Both teams to score - yes.

• Everton to qualify - yes.