The Dugout Discussion – Everton vs Sunderland

Gameweek 36’s opener offers us one final to chance to scrutinise Sunderland’s players before they embark on their double (LEI, ars) in the following batch of fixtures. The Black Cats travel to Everton in a buyoant mood after running out 2-1 victors against Southampton last weekend, whilst the Toffees had their six-match undefeated streak terminated by an inspired Aston Villa, led by the red-hot Christian Benteke.

Everton’s recent fortunes have been based on strong form that’s seen them unbeaten in their previous eight at home, so Roberto Martinez’s men will be thankful that two of their remaining trio of league ties are in front of their own fans. Despite converting from a spot-kick during the Merseysiders’ trip to the West Midlands, Romelu Lukaku hasn’t netted from open play since Gameweek 23, though without the Belgian’s goals to fall back on, Kevin Mirallas (two in three) and even James McCarthy (two in seven) have taken up the mantle. At the back, the Toffees have six shut-outs in their last seven home fixtures – from Gameweek 22 onwards, only Leicester have managed to find a way past Tim Howard at Goodison.

With two points separating 18th-placed Sunderland and 14th-placed Aston Villa, Dick Advocaat’s outfit will be fighting to the last in an attempt to secure the win and leapfrog their rivals. In the wake of two goals in three starts, Connor Wickham highlighted his potential as a double differential. Jermain Defoe, who’s netted just once in 10 starts, can strengthen his case for investment with a strong showing at Everton, whilst Jordi Gomez and Seb Larsson duke it out for our attentions in the centre of the park.