Preview: Everton vs. Sunderland
© PA Photos
Fourth-placed Everton will be looking to end a run of four straight draws when they take on Sunderland at Goodison Park on Saturday.
A late Steve Sidwell strike saw David Moyes's men held to a 2-2 draw at Craven Cottage last Saturday, meaning that the Blues have not tasted victory since two Nikica Jelavic goals helped them to a 3-1 win at home to Southampton in September.
Darron Gibson remains Everton's only injury worry, as he continues to suffer with a thigh complaint. John Heitinga filled in for Sylvain Distin last week and could keep his place.
Meanwhile, James McFadden has been ruled out of facing his former team. Wes Brown and Titus Bramble are also missing, so John O'Shea and Carlos Cuellar are likely to continue in the heart of defence.
Jack Colback is expected to fill in for Danny Rose at right-back.
The Black Cats are struggling down in 16th and have not won at Goodison Park since a 3-1 victory in 1996. Also, Moyes has never lost to a Sunderland team during his tenure on Merseyside.
Recent form
Everton: WDDDD
Sunderland: WLDDL
Possible starting lineups:
Everton: Howard; Coleman, Heitinga, Jagielka, Baines; Neville, Fellaini, Pienaar, Mirallas, Osman; Jelavic
Sunderland: Mignolet; Bardsley, Colback, Cuellar, O'Shea; Cattermole, Gardner, Larsson, Johnson, Sessegnon; Fletcher
Sports Mole says: 2-0
A late Steve Sidwell strike saw David Moyes's men held to a 2-2 draw at Craven Cottage last Saturday, meaning that the Blues have not tasted victory since two Nikica Jelavic goals helped them to a 3-1 win at home to Southampton in September.
Darron Gibson remains Everton's only injury worry, as he continues to suffer with a thigh complaint. John Heitinga filled in for Sylvain Distin last week and could keep his place.
Meanwhile, James McFadden has been ruled out of facing his former team. Wes Brown and Titus Bramble are also missing, so John O'Shea and Carlos Cuellar are likely to continue in the heart of defence.
Jack Colback is expected to fill in for Danny Rose at right-back.
The Black Cats are struggling down in 16th and have not won at Goodison Park since a 3-1 victory in 1996. Also, Moyes has never lost to a Sunderland team during his tenure on Merseyside.
Recent form
Everton: WDDDD
Sunderland: WLDDL
Possible starting lineups:
Everton: Howard; Coleman, Heitinga, Jagielka, Baines; Neville, Fellaini, Pienaar, Mirallas, Osman; Jelavic
Sunderland: Mignolet; Bardsley, Colback, Cuellar, O'Shea; Cattermole, Gardner, Larsson, Johnson, Sessegnon; Fletcher
Sports Mole says: 2-0
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