Sunderland Vs Everton Official Sunderland Not606 Match Thread please log in to view this image Match Appointments REFEREE: Lee Probert ASST. REF. 1:R Ganfield ASST. REF. 2:M Scholes 4TH OFFICIAL:L Mason Sunderland and Everton need points on Saturday to aid their respective causes at opposite ends of the table. The Black Cats remain rooted to the foot of the Premier League table, with four straight defeats leaving them seven points adrift of safety. Gus Poyet's men continue to hold games in hand on all of those around them, but the Uruguayan conceded after Monday's 5-1 mauling at the hands of Tottenham Hotspur that his side will likely require 'a miracle' in order to beat the drop. The fact they still have contests against the Toffees, Manchester City, Chelsea and Manchester United to come suggests they will require something special in order to preserve their top-flight status. Everton have no such worries, with their focus locked on events in and around the top four. A 3-0 victory over Arsenal last time out - their sixth success on the bounce - has closed Roberto Martinez's men to within a point of the UEFA Champions League places. They will step into that particular pack this weekend with a positive result at the Stadium of Light - with the Gunners on FA Cup semi-final duty. Sunderland Team News Sunderland boss Poyet has no fresh injury or suspension concerns to contend with so must decide whether to give those who disappointed at White Hart Lane an opportunity to redeem themselves or shuffle his pack once more. Experienced defender John O'Shea was dropped to the bench against Spurs, so he could be brought back in to plug a few holes if the Black Cats decide to stick with a 5-3-2 formation. Just two men remain unavailable at this late stage of the season - goalkeeper Kieren Westwood (shoulder) and striker Steven Fletcher (ankle) who is unlikely to feature again in this campaign. Everton Team News Midfielder Leon Osman is Everton's only doubt ahead of a trip to the North East. The 32-year-old had to have five stitches in an eye wound early in last weekend's victory over Arsenal and as of Thursday his left eye had not fully reopened. Defender Phil Jagielka could be fit to return for next weekend's visit of Manchester United as he nurses his way back to full fitness from a hamstring complaint. Last 10 Meetings please log in to view this image EPL Form please log in to view this image This Seasons Return Fixture please log in to view this image please log in to view this image please log in to view this image Last Corresponding Fixture please log in to view this image What the 'Experts' Say please log in to view this image Lawrenson Sunderland are in big trouble. They left a lot space for Spurs to exploit in their 5-1 defeat at White Hart Lane on Monday and, if they do that against Everton, they will get hammered again. Everton are on a great run and their win over Arsenal last week was probably their best of the season. Every one of their team performed extremely well, their system worked and they got at Arsenal straight away, playing at such a high tempo. This will be a tougher game than it might appear for Roberto Martinez's side because Sunderland are not only fighting for their lives, they are running out of time. The Black Cats' biggest problem is up front. Their manager Gus Poyet keeps changing things in attack because, without the injured Steven Fletcher, they just do not have enough quality. Sunderland need goals to get them points, but I cannot see them getting either against Everton. Lawro's prediction: 0-2 Merson Everton are in dreamland - and now they have to keep it up. I watched them against Fulham a few weeks ago and I thought they were lucky if I'm honest, but they absolutely ripped Arsenal to shreds last week. The pressure is on them a bit more now because fourth place is in their hands, but I've got to say they will win this game because Sunderland were so poor against Tottenham it was beyond a joke. I don't know how they are going to get anything out of Everton playing like that. PAUL PREDICTS: 1-2 Stats n Facts After a run of 16 consecutive league games without a win against the Toffees (D4 L12), Sunderland have won their last two (both 1-0). Gareth Barry has scored four Barclays Premier League goals against the Black Cats; against no side has he netted more. Everton have won 63 points from their 32 Premier League games this season â should they win this match, itâll already be their highest points tally in a single PL campaign (currently 65 in 2007-08). Romelu Lukakuâs 13 Premier League goals this season have won Everton 12 points this season â only goals by Luis Suarez (13) and Daniel Sturridge(18) have been more valuable to their respective sides. Lukaku has scored 30 Premier League goals since the start of 2012-13 â only Luis Suarez (52), Robin van Persie (37) and Daniel Sturridge (31) have netted more in this period. No side has used more substitutes before the start of the second half in games this season than Sunderland (17). Sunderland are one of only three sides to have won fewer points at home that they have away this season in the Premier League (12 at home, 13 away). The Black Cats have netted just two second half goals in their last 18 Premier League meetings with Everton. Adam Johnson has scored or assisted 12 goals for Sunderland this season in the Premier League (eight goals, four assists) â not other Black Catsâ player has been involved in more than four goals. Seamus Coleman has had a hand in seven Everton goals this season (six goals, one assist) â no defender has been involved in more this season in the Premier League. 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On paper given recent results and performances there should be only 1 outcome, but we know it doesn't always work like that and I'm expecting a tough and tight game. It's one that we simply have to win though and if you're going to get a result then you're going to have to put in a terrific performance
Unfortunately it looks like our cowards have told Poyet they feel safer with a nappy on (more support at the back) Wish he'd have been bold and gone 4-3-3. Weve played 5-3-2 three times now lost all three and have a goal differance of -6. Unfortunately it also looks like Oshea has weeseld his way back in......... Head vs heart on this one. I go in hope.
Nice work Bri. I wish our players put as much effort in. We need to play 4 at the back, otherwise we'll get our arses torn out by their wingbacks. There was way too much space enabling Spurs to put numerous balls into the box on Monday. back to 4-1-4-1?
God I wish we could look at our team and say this to opponents! It's more like: if you score first we'll definitely collapse, if you prevent us from scoring for the first 20mins we're done and even if we play great we probably won't put it in the net so just hang in there and you'll catch us on the break or we'll present you with a goal eventually.
