Preview: Everton vs. Sunderland

Everton go into their match against Sunderland on Boxing Day looking to maintain their challenge for a Champions League spot this season.

The Toffees are currently only outside the top four on goal difference, and a win would see them jump up at least two places until Manchester City host Liverpool in the day's late kickoff.

Depending on results elsewhere, Everton could be top of the table for a few hours should they extend their unbeaten streak to 11 matches with a victory.

Roberto Martinez's men have established themselves as the hardest team to beat in the league this season, with their only loss so far coming away to Manchester City. They also have the best defensive record in the league having only conceded 16 times.

At home, the Toffees are unbeaten in the league in 2013 and have only dropped six points this season, scoring 11 goals in their last three outings alone.

They could welcome back Leighton Baines from a toe injury that has kept him out of the last five matches, while Nikica Jelavic, Steven Pienaar and Sylvain Distin could all feature having recovered from minor knocks.

Sunderland, meanwhile, have the dreaded tag of 'bottom at Christmas' bestowed upon them as they look to pull off an unlikely escape in the second half of the season.

The Black Cats should be boosted by a three-match unbeaten streak in all competitions that saw them progress into the semi-finals of the League Cup at the expense of Chelsea last Tuesday.

However, they have only managed two league wins all season, both at home, and have not scored in any of their last six away games, conceding 10 goals in that time.

Manager Gus Poyet could be without his two first-choice centre-backs as John O'Shea faces a late fitness test while Wes Brown is suspended following his red card against Norwich at the weekend.

Recent form

Everton: DWWDWW

Sunderland: DLLDWD

Possible starting lineups

Everton: Howard; Coleman, Jagielka, Distin, Oviedo; McCarthy, Barry; Mirallas, Barkley, Pienaar; Lukaku

Sunderland: Mannone; Celustka, O'Shea, Roberge, Bardsley; Cattermole, Giachherini, Larsson, Ki, Borini; Altidore

Sports Mole says: 3-0