Sunderland can go above Everton on points this weekend should they snatch victory in their Premier League clash at the Stadium of Light this Sunday.
The Black Cats collapsed against Southampton a fortnight ago by suffering an 8-0 drubbing at St Mary's and failed to instantly recover by succumbing to a 2-0 loss at the hands of Arsenal.
Recent results have highlighted Gus Poyet's problems in defence, but their season was boosted by a 3-1 away triumph over Crystal Palace last weekend.
However, the Black Cats will have to cope without suspended Lee Cattermole and injured Patrick van Aanholt, who is their only recognised left-back, when they face an Everton side who have kept clean sheets in their last two games.
Roberto Martinez's men have struggled to storm out of the blocks this season and it took four league games for them to grab their first victory of the campaign.
The Merseyside outfit had a wobble in defence after conceding 15 goals in their first seven league matches, but Martinez's side appear to have tightened up at the back in recent matches and striker Romelu Lukaku is coming into form up front having snatched two goals in Everton's last three league games.
In terms of a head-to-head record, Everton are sitting comfortable having lost just once in 10 league and cup away trips to Sunderland, but Poyet's men may feel as though they can take advantage of the Toffees' Europa League action on Thursday night.
After sealing a comfortable 3-0 win over Lille at Goodison Park, Martinez may make some changes, with Steven Naismith and Ross Barkley possibly re-entering the fold.
For Sunderland, former Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell is believed to be in contention, but he is likely to be on the bench at the Stadium of Light following a bout of injury.
Wes Brown is likely to play in defence for the home side, while Liam Bridcutt could take Cattermole's place in midfield.
Recent form
Sunderland: WLLWDD
Everton: DWWLDL
Possible starting lineups
Sunderland: Pantilimon; Reveillere, Vergini, O'Shea, Brown; Buckley, Larsson, Bridcutt, Gomez, Wickham; Fletcher
Everton: Howard; Baines, Distin, Jagielka, Coleman; Barry, McCarthy; McGeady, Barkley, Naismith; Lukaku
Sports Mole says: 1-2
Danielle Joynson
