Match Day Thread Sunderland AFC v Everton FC - Monday 3rd November 2025 - KO 20:00

Everything about the club is just perfection

 

Lump in throat. Again ffs

 

I’m still in the ‘any point is good in these league’ mindset. However, second place and 8 points on the mags ….

 

I think Everton are being underestimated a bit, but can’t wait for kick off. 3 points and I’d have no worries about going down.

 

I love this idea, much better than some of the meaningless holidays we have.

 

Whenever I walk through Central Station I get ‘double takes’ from Mags when they see my colours. I stare back and grin hoping they say something so I can give them a mouthful. They must expect a 70yo will just meekly keep their gob shut

 

I only have four hours so the drinks are on me mate …

… gimme a shout when you’re in town, I’ll have time for some bait.

 

Great, now Im crying

hope you are happy

 

Not super confident today. Feels like Moyes will come back and haunt us in some way.
I think Isidor v Keane/Tarkowski could be interesting and Le Fee might get some change out of O'Brien at RB who is essentially a big lump of a CB playing at right back.

Fast start as always, and get the crowd focusing on our team and not the opposition dugout

 

think Talbi should start, I think he will cause them some trouble,

 

chicken **** he’s one of the worst pundits ever

 

Major incident declared but no reported injuries - transport secretarypublished at 08:05

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander says a major incident had been declared following a train derailment near Shap in Cumbria but "there are no reported injuries".

 

Another great thread RTB. Thanks again for your efforts. Difficult game and over the yrs I always feel Everton as a bit of a bogey team. That said it will be a difficult game but one that we can win. I think id settle for a draw but a win would be magnificent. If we were to win next game would be 1st v 2nd in the premier league.
It's just a dream I'm sure.
Haway the lads.

 

How Sunderland try to make sure they sign the right characters as Régis Le Bris makes 'family' dressing room point



https://www.sunderlandecho.com/spor...underland-transfer-news-regis-le-bris-5383942

Understanding what a player might be able to bring you on the pitch has never been easier. Clubs can scout not just in person but on laptops, through endless hours of footage and extensive data research. If you want to sign a player good in the air or good at retaining possession, you've got a better chance of doing that now than you ever have done. But there's a reason why recruitment remains anything but an exact science.

Harder to judge is how a player will adapt to a new league, a new environment, a new dressing room. Perhaps more impressive than the calibre of player Sunderland signed this summer is how the 14 they brought in have so clearly bought into the team culture...

"If we say our identity is based on different key pillars, one of these key pillars is the connection, the ability to play with your teammates. You have to assess it. Sometimes it's not easy to find this particular ability, but if you want to watch it, you can find some cues when you watch a game. For example, how do they respond to an error for a team mate? How can he manage different situations with the relationship of his teammates as well? It's really interesting."

The togetherness Sunderland have quickly forged this season, however, is a surprise even to Le Bris.

"So far, we signed 14 players," Le Bris said. "They are like a family [which normally happens] after one, two or three seasons. It's strange sometimes, but it's the case. It's really positive. It's always better to win games, to feel that our players and the squad are improving massively. The connection we have every day is really positive. I enjoy working with them, even after defeat. It was the case twice this season. They never tried to deny their responsibilities. They accepted their mistakes and tried to work on it. So far, it's really positive."

Players such as Nordi Mukiele and Lutsharel Geertruida have for a number of years been competing in elite European environments, but have bought completely into what was supposed to be a relegation battle on Wearside.

The togetherness was embodied by Luke O'Nien and Dan Neil, both waiting patiently for Premier League opportunities, racing down the touchline to celebrate Chemsdine Talbi's late winner at Stamford Bridge last weekend.

"Yes, absolutely. It was a really natural reaction, it was very positive. You can be frustrated, which is absolutely fair, but you can still take enjoyment from your team-mates winning. It's very positive."

Régis Le Bris has confirmed that Omar Alderete and Simon Adingra are in conention to return to the matchday squad when Sunderland face Everton this weekend.

Alderete was absent for the first time this season at Stamford Bridge having suffered a concussion in the 2-0 win over Wolves a week previous, while Adingra was left out as a precaution having experienced some muscle tightness in the build up to the game. Both have trained in the build up to Everton’s visit, however, and should retake their places in the squad.

“He’s getting better, trained normally with the squad this morning, he’s on the way,” Le Bris said of Alderete. "He is still a doubt for Everton because he is in the concussion protocols, but we hope that he will be out of them tomorrow [on Saturday]. Simon Adingra missed the Chelsea game because he had a small hamstring injury, but it was not serious. He missed one weekend but he is available.”

Le Bris also revealed that Dan Neil has been recovering from a minor concussion suffered in training, but that he is expected to be available to face Everton on Monday night.

 

We've recently had quite a few 'biggest games' but this fits that bill imo.

It's the biggest game of the season so far, bigger than the opening day and the Arsenal match.

It's the only show in town so the spotlight is firmly on Sunderland. There are no more games until Saturday so we'd have all week sitting up there in second place. Beating West Ham was great but ten games gives you an idea of 'form' over just one result. I'm far more excited about this game and I see no reason to believe we can't win ...

... I don't believe in bogey teams, jinxes or ex-managers having a hex on you so I just can't wait.

Ha'way the Lads ... 2-0 with Isidor and Xhaka

 

I’m feeling confident
Monday night under the lights - the crowd roaring the lads on and a Ballard header to seal the game.

 

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/c33pmzxl8yko

analysis of SAFC's tactics. Not as detailed as AltEnding, but nice to see some recognition. Also at least someone else appreciates that Trai Hume is no make-weight.