Team News: Nikica Jelavic absent for Everton

Everton will be without Nikica Jelavic for today's home fixture against Sunderland.

His place in the starting lineup has been handed to Denis Stracqualursi, while James McFadden is also given a role in the midfield.

Visiting Sunderland are without Nicklas Bendtner at Goodison Park, meaning that Stephane Sessegnon will lead the line for the Black Cats.

Everton: Howard; Hibbert, Heitinga, Jagielka, Neville; Gueye, McFadden, Pienaar, Fellaini, Osman; Stracqualursi

Sunderland: Mignolet; Bardsley, Kilgallon, Turner, Vaughan; Cattermole, Larsson, Gardner, Colback, McClean; Sessegnon