Key Highlights
- Everton will face a depleted squad for their FA Cup clash against Sunderland.
- Michael Keane and Jack Grealish are suspended due to red cards.
- Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gueye remain away at AFCON.
- Sunderland, despite losing several players, continues to perform well in the league.
The Road to Wembley: Everton vs Sunderland Preview
Everton’s quest for a cup run faces an early test as they prepare for their FA Cup third-round match against Sunderland. The Toffees begin this encounter with a weakened squad, having already endured a frustrating slide in form.
A Weakened Team
The absence of key players is particularly pronounced. Michael Keane and Jack Grealish are suspended after receiving red cards, significantly impacting the lineup. While Keane’s hair-pulling incident against Wolverhampton Wanderers garnered attention, Grealish’s late act of petulance also results in a one-game ban.
Other notable absences include Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gueye, who remain at AFCON.
Additionally, Jarrad Branthwaite is not yet fit to return, while Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Seamus Coleman, and Carlos Alcaraz are still unavailable.
Manager David Moyes has limited options for his starting XI, with the prospect of potentially turning to reserves or young players. The Toffees will be looking to arrest their recent poor form in this crucial cup tie.
Sunderland’s Resilience
While Everton faces these challenges, Sunderland continues to thrive despite losing several players to AFCON. Since their last meeting with the Toffees in early November, Sunderland have shown remarkable resilience, securing just three losses in 11 matches. They sit 10th in the table, one point above Everton.
Manager Brian Le Bris has promised to take this cup match seriously and will not make wholesale changes. However, with the busy festive schedule, some players may be given a rest, leaving Moyes to decide on his strongest eleven for Saturday’s game.
Past Encounters
The last time these teams met was ten weeks ago, resulting in a 1-1 draw. Everton dominated much of the first half but failed to add to Iliman Ndiaye’s goal. Sunderland’s Grant Xhaka saw his shot deflect off the post for an equalizer late on.
Future Prospects
With so many players unavailable and a poor run of form leading into this game, it is challenging to be optimistic for Everton. However, Sunderland will also be without several key players, making for a competitive match. Moyes must carefully select his lineup, potentially turning to reserves or younger players.
The FA Cup offers an opportunity for Everton to return to winning ways and build momentum heading into the league season. Sunderland’s recent form suggests they could pose a tough test in this third-round tie.