Everton vs Sunderland Match Preview

Match Context

Everton host Sunderland at Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool on 17 May 2026, in Premier League Regular Season - 37. Everton sit 10th on 49 points with a goal difference of 0, while Sunderland are 12th on 48 points with a goal difference of -9.

Everton Availability

Everton have three confirmed absentees. J. Branthwaite (Hamstring Injury) is sidelined. J. Grealish (Foot Injury) is sidelined. I. Gueye (Injury) is sidelined. Grealish has been a major creative outlet, contributing 2 goals and 6 assists in 20 league appearances, while his ball-carrying and chance creation will be missed in the final third. Everton can still lean on J. Garner, who has 7 assists and 2 goals from midfield.

Sunderland Availability

Sunderland travel without two players. D. Ballard (Red Card) is sidelined, depriving them of a key defensive option. R. Mundle (Hamstring Injury) is sidelined, reducing their depth in wide attacking areas. Creative responsibility will fall more heavily on G. Xhaka, who has 6 assists and 1 goal in 32 appearances.

Impact Summary

Everton lose significant creativity through Grealish, but retain much of their attacking structure via Garner and their forward line. Sunderland’s main damage is at the back with Ballard sidelined, potentially exposing a defense that has already conceded 46 league goals.