Team News: Everton make five changes for Sunderland clash

Everton boss Roberto Martinez has made five changes to his starting lineup for the visit of Sunderland.

Tim Howard is among those to return following the League Cup win over Norwich City in midweek, meaning only a place on the bench for Joel Robles.

Elsewhere, Bryan Oviedo retains his place in defence, while Seamus Coleman has recovered from his recent illness to take up a spot on the opposite flank.

Sam Allardyce has decided to bring Wes Brown back into Sunderland's starting lineup, meanwhile, for his first competitive game since the Black Cats' win on Merseyside in May.

There is also a place in the starting lineup for Jermain Defoe up top, alongside Steven Fletcher in what appears to be a 4-4-2 formation.

Sunderland, who have won on their last two visits to Goodison Park in the Premier League, are currently two points from safety.

Find out what what the Sports Mole team had to say about the match ahead of kickoff:

Everton: Howard; Coleman, Funes Mori, Stones, Oviedo; McCarthy, Barry, Kone, Barkley, Deulofeu; Lukaku Subs: Robles, Galloway, Gibson, Osman, Mirallas, Lennon, Naismith

Sunderland: Pantilimon; Yedlin, Jones, Brown, Coates; Cattermole, M'Vila, Van Aanholt, Johnson; Fletcher, Defoe Subs: Larsson, Rodwell, Gomez, Lens, Graham, Watmore, Mannone

Follow Sports Mole's live text coverage of today's game right here.