Everton manager David Moyes believes that Paolo Di Canio's arrival at Sunderland has "galvanised" the club as they fight against relegation from the Premier League.
The Scot takes his team to the Stadium of Light this afternoon as they continue on their quest to qualify for the Champions League.
Di Canio won his first game in charge of the Black Cats in last Sunday's Tyne-Wear derby against Newcastle United and Moyes said that will have bred confidence within their ranks.
"I think it is a different game, but more than that it is a different game because they had a fantastic result at Newcastle," the 49-year-old told reporters.
"If you win a game like that, as emphatically as they did, then it has got him off to a great start. It will have galvanised the club. It's given their crowd and their players a big lift and it makes it an interesting game."
Moyes admitted that he was "disappointed" to see Martin O'Neill get the sack, which led to the Italian's appointment in the North-East.
However, he said that it is good to see the former Swindon Town manager making his mark on the Premier League.
"I'm disappointed Martin lost his job because I respect him and like a lot of the things he does. But Paolo is making his way as a young manager and he did a good job at Swindon," he added.
"His opening gambit so far has been good. It is good to see new managers coming on the scene - but it is always sad when you see people who you respect and know are good managers leave as well."
The Toffees won the reverse fixture 2-1 at Goodison Park in November.
Michael Penkman
