Everton vs Sunderland Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Sunday, May 17th
Everton vs Sunderland Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Sunday, May 17th. As we look forward to this Premier League clash, Everton will host Sunderland at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. This match is set to kick off on Sunday, May 17th, and promises to be an intriguing encounter as both teams aim to secure valuable points in the league standings.
Everton, playing at home, will be keen to capitalise on their familiar surroundings, while Sunderland will be looking to upset the hosts and improve their position. The Hill Dickinson Stadium will be the battleground for these two English sides, each with their own ambitions in the Premier League. With both teams eager to make an impact, this matchup could provide some interesting betting opportunities.
Everton vs Sunderland Prediction & Betting tip
| Betting Tip | Odds |
|---|---|
| Everton to win | 1.84 |
Given the current standings and past performances, our recommended betting tip is to back Everton to win. With Everton sitting in 10th position and having a slightly better overall record this season, they are poised to take advantage of their home ground and fan support.
- Everton’s recent form against Sunderland is favourable, with three wins in their last five meetings.
- Both teams concede an average of 1.3 goals per match, but Everton’s home ground advantage and supportive fans can be a decisive factor.
- Sunderland’s defensive vulnerabilities, particularly in specific time intervals, may be exploited by Everton’s consistent attacking play.
Everton have a strong home scoring record, netting in 78% of their matches at Goodison Park this season, which gives them an edge in this encounter.
Betting Odds
Everton are stepping onto the field as the favourites with odds of 1.84, while Sunderland are seen as the underdogs at 4.18. The draw is priced at 3.66, indicating that bookmakers expect a competitive match at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
| Betting Tip | Odds |
|---|---|
| Everton to win | 1.84 |
| Draw | 3.66 |
| Sunderland to win | 4.18 |
For those looking to place a bet, keep an eye on Everton’s strong home form, which could make them a solid choice. However, Sunderland’s potential to surprise should not be underestimated, especially if you’re considering a punt on the away win or a draw.
Everton Analysis & Past Performance
Everton’s recent form has seen them struggle to clinch victories, with their last five matches resulting in three draws and two losses. Notably, these include a 2-2 draw away at Crystal Palace and a 3-3 stalemate at home against Manchester City, highlighting their defensive vulnerabilities.
| Home Team | Away Team | Result | Competition | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crystal Palace | Everton | 2 – 2 (Draw) | Premier League | 10 May 2026 |
| Everton | Manchester City | 3 – 3 (Draw) | Premier League | 4 May 2026 |
| West Ham | Everton | 2 – 1 (Loss) | Premier League | 25 Apr 2026 |
| Everton | Liverpool | 1 – 2 (Loss) | Premier League | 19 Apr 2026 |
| Brentford | Everton | 2 – 2 (Draw) | Premier League | 11 Apr 2026 |
Recent Form:
In their last five outings, Everton have averaged 1.80 goals scored per game, although they have also conceded an average of 2.20 goals, failing to keep a single clean sheet. This suggests a need for defensive reinforcement, as they have been unable to shut out opponents consistently. The team’s attacking efforts have been spearheaded by Beto, who has netted 9 goals this season.
Despite their struggles away, Everton’s home form shows moderate success, with a win ratio of 0.40 in their last five home games. However, their overall season performance reflects inconsistency, as they sit 10th in the Premier League with 49 points, winning 13 of their 36 matches played. The team have shown resilience in games, often scoring, but their inability to maintain clean sheets has been a persistent issue.
- DDLLD
Everton Suspensions & Injuries
Everton will be without Jack Grealish, who is sidelined due to a broken foot, and Jarrad Branthwaite, dealing with a hamstring injury. Both are expected to return in early June 2026, missing this crucial fixture against Sunderland. Idrissa Gueye is also a doubt with a muscle injury, which could impact Everton’s midfield depth and defensive solidity, particularly in breaking down opposition attacks.
| Player | Injury | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Jack Grealish | broken foot | Early June 2026 |
| Jarrad Branthwaite | hamstring injury | Early June 2026 |
| Idrissa Gueye | muscle injury | Doubtful |
In Grealish’s absence, Everton may rely more heavily on Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to provide creativity and drive from midfield. The presence of players like James Garner and Iliman Ndiaye becomes crucial as they attempt to fill the void left by these injuries. The defensive duo of James Tarkowski and Michael Keane will be expected to step up and maintain a solid backline in the absence of Branthwaite.
The tactical impact of these injuries may lead David Moyes to opt for a more compact midfield setup, focusing on resilience and counter-attacking opportunities. Betting markets might view these absences as a potential concern for Everton, especially as they face a Sunderland side eager to capitalise on any defensive lapses.
Everton Key Players
Beto stands out as Everton’s top scorer this season, having netted 9 goals. His role as the leading forward is pivotal, providing a focal point for Everton’s attacking play. Beto’s ability to find space and finish clinically makes him a constant threat to Sunderland’s defence. His physical presence and aerial prowess add an extra dimension to Everton’s offensive strategy, allowing them to exploit set-piece situations effectively.
In midfield, Iliman Ndiaye and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall are influential figures. Ndiaye’s creativity and dribbling skills offer Everton a dynamic edge in breaking down opposition defences, while Dewsbury-Hall’s work rate and passing range help in controlling the tempo of the game. At the back, James Tarkowski’s leadership and robust defending are crucial in maintaining defensive solidity, particularly in aerial duels.
Expected lineup for Everton:
- Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford
- Defenders: Jake O’Brien, James Tarkowski, Michael Keane, Vitaliy Mykolenko
- Midfielders: Iliman Ndiaye, Tim Iroegbunam, James Garner, Merlin Roehl, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall
- Forward: Beto
Everton Tactics and Formation
Everton Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Beto
- Midfield Pivot: Tim Iroegbunam and James Garner
- Defensive Concerns: No clean sheets in the last five games
- Notable Strategy: Focused on maintaining possession and exploiting wide areas.
Everton’s 4-2-3-1 formation under David Moyes aims to establish a balance between defensive coverage and attacking depth. With Tim Iroegbunam and James Garner anchoring the midfield, they provide stability, allowing the creative trio of Iliman Ndiaye, Merlin Roehl, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to support Beto up front.
Defensively, Everton have struggled to keep clean sheets, conceding in each of their last five games. The backline, featuring Michael Keane and James Tarkowski, will need to tighten up against Sunderland’s attacking threats. Vitaliy Mykolenko and Jake O’Brien as full-backs are crucial in both defensive duties and attacking overlaps.
Offensively, Everton rely on maintaining possession and utilising the width, with the dynamic play of Ndiaye and Dewsbury-Hall being instrumental. Despite their recent form, Beto remains a constant goal threat, having netted nine times this season, making him pivotal in converting chances.
Sunderland Analysis & Past Performance
Sunderland’s recent form has been inconsistent, with the team accumulating only one win in their last five matches. This stretch included a notable 1-0 victory against Tottenham but also a heavy 5-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest, highlighting their defensive vulnerabilities.
| Home Side | Away Side | Score | League | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunderland | Manchester United | 0 – 0 (Draw) | Premier League | 9 May 2026 |
| Wolverhampton | Sunderland | 1 – 1 (Draw) | Premier League | 2 May 2026 |
| Sunderland | Nottingham Forest | 0 – 5 (Defeat) | Premier League | 24 April 2026 |
| Aston Villa | Sunderland | 4 – 3 (Defeat) | Premier League | 19 April 2026 |
| Sunderland | Tottenham | 1 – 0 (Victory) | Premier League | 12 April 2026 |
Recent Form:
- DDLLW
In their previous five outings, Sunderland have scored an average of 1.00 goal per game while conceding 2.00, emphasising their defensive fragility. Despite earning two clean sheets during this period, their overall defensive record remains a concern. Away from home, Sunderland have shown slightly better resilience, with two wins, two draws, and one loss in their last five away fixtures, suggesting a relatively stronger away performance with a win ratio of 0.40 compared to their overall 0.20. Brian Brobbey has been a key player, leading the team’s attack with six goals this season. Currently positioned 12th in the Premier League with 48 points, Sunderland’s aim will be to solidify their mid-table standing while addressing their defensive lapses.
Sunderland Suspensions & Injuries
Sunderland face a challenging situation with Daniel Ballard sidelined due to a hamstring injury, compounded by a red card suspension that leaves him out for two more matches. Ballard’s absence could weaken Sunderland’s defensive solidity, as he has been a key figure in their backline. The team will need to rely on the likes of Nordi Mukiele and Omar Alderete to step up in his absence, potentially altering their defensive tactics to ensure stability.
| Player | Suspension | Matches Remaining | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daniel Ballard | red card | 2 | Unknown |
Further complicating matters, Romaine Mundle is out with a hamstring injury until late May 2026, and Bertrand Traoré is doubtful with a knee injury. Mundle’s absence may limit Sunderland’s attacking options, forcing coach Régis Le Bris to rely more heavily on midfield creativity from players like Enzo Le Fée and Chemsdine Talbi to maintain their offensive threat.
| Player | Injury | Expected Return |
|---|---|---|
| Daniel Ballard | hamstring injury | Mid December 2023 |
| Romaine Mundle | hamstring injury | Late May 2026 |
| Bertrand Traoré | knee injury | Doubtful |
These absences could influence Sunderland’s approach, possibly requiring adjustments in their 4-2-3-1 formation to accommodate the missing players. Bettors should consider these factors, as the unavailability of key players might affect Sunderland’s performance consistency, particularly in high-pressure situations against Everton.
Sunderland Key Players
Sunderland will be relying heavily on their top scorer, Brian Brobbey, who has netted six goals this season. As the focal point of the attack, Brobbey’s physicality and ability to hold up play are integral to Sunderland’s offensive strategy. His knack for finding space in the box makes him a constant threat to Everton’s defence. Accompanying him in the attack, Enzo Le Fée from midfield is expected to play a crucial role as a playmaker, orchestrating the flow of the game with his vision and passing accuracy.
In midfield, Granit Xhaka’s experience and leadership are vital. His ability to break up opposition play and distribute the ball efficiently could be key in controlling the midfield battle. Defensively, the presence of Nordi Mukiele and Lutsharel Geertruida offers solid protection at the back, with Mukiele’s versatility and Geertruida’s strength in aerial duels being significant assets.
Expected lineup for Sunderland:
- Goalkeeper: Robin Roefs
- Defenders: Lutsharel Geertruida, Nordi Mukiele, Omar Alderete, Reinildo
- Midfielders: Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki, Trai Hume, Enzo Le Fée, Chemsdine Talbi
- Forward: Brian Brobbey
Sunderland Tactics and Formation
Sunderland Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Brian Brobbey
- Midfield Pivot: Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki
- Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games
- Notable Strategy: Balanced approach with emphasis on midfield control.
Sunderland’s 4-2-3-1 formation, managed by Régis Le Bris, provides a balanced structure with a focus on controlling the midfield. The partnership of Granit Xhaka and Noah Sadiki in midfield is pivotal, offering both defensive coverage and playmaking capabilities. This allows creative players like Enzo Le Fée to operate effectively in a more advanced role.
Defensively, the back four of Lutsharel Geertruida, Nordi Mukiele, Omar Alderete, and Reinildo have shown resilience, contributing to Sunderland’s two clean sheets in their last five matches. Their ability to maintain defensive solidity will be crucial against Everton’s offensive threats.
Offensively, Sunderland rely on Brian Brobbey’s presence at the top. His ability to hold up the ball and link play with the attacking midfielders, including Chemsdine Talbi and Trai Hume, is essential for Sunderland’s attacking transitions. Despite recent struggles in scoring, the team aim to leverage their tactical discipline to create and capitalise on scoring opportunities.
Everton vs Sunderland H2H Record
Everton and Sunderland have faced off 35 times, with Everton leading the head-to-head record with 19 wins compared to Sunderland’s 8, and 9 matches ending in a draw. The last time they met was in the FA Cup earlier this year, where Sunderland triumphed in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park.
In their most recent Premier League encounter, the teams drew 1-1 at Sunderland’s ground in November 2025. The last Premier League match at Everton’s home saw the Toffees secure a 2-0 victory back in February 2017. Everton have generally been the stronger side at home, often keeping Sunderland at bay.
| Home Team | Away Team | Result | Competition | Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Everton | Sunderland | 1 – 1 (Extra time: 0 – 0) (Penalty shoot-out: 0 – 3) | FA Cup | 2026-01-10 |
| Sunderland | Everton | 1 – 1 | Premier League | 2025-11-03 |
| Everton | Sunderland | 3 – 0 | EFL Cup | 2017-09-20 |
| Everton | Sunderland | 2 – 0 | Premier League | 2017-02-25 |
| Sunderland | Everton | 0 – 3 | Premier League | 2016-09-12 |
