The pressure on the shoulders of Sunderland boss Gus Poyet eased as they recorded a 3-1 away at Crystal Palace on Monday, moving out of the relegation zone. However, they'll find it hard to extend their two-point buffer on Sunday, as they welcome Everton to the Stadium of Light. For Sunderland, just avoiding defeat would be a pretty good result.
Sunderland vs. Everton live stream: How to watch the EPL online
Everton will be looking to extend their solid run of form by beating Sunderland on Sunday.
Roberto Martínez’s Everton made a poor start to the season, but the Toffees have steadily improved as the campaign has worn on. The Merseyside club are now up into the top half of the table, and will be looking to record only their fourth win of the season on Wearside. They head into this fixture buoyed by an excellent result in the Europa League in midweek, when they downed Lille 3-0 at Goodison Park.
Key player - Ross Barkley (Everton)
Last season Everton playmaker Ross Barkley showed glimpses of great talent, and earned himself a trip to the World Cup on the back of an impressive campaign. He's been a little less spectacular so far this season, but he still has the ability to be a matchwinner. In this match, expect the energy of Sunderland's holding midfielder Liam Bridcutt to be devoted to keeping him quiet.
Key matchup - Aiden McGeady vs. Santiago Vergini
Sunderland defender Santiago Vergini may well be the most lovable player in the Premier League -- though perhaps not if you’re a faint-hearted Sunderland supporter. One week he’s a pretty solid full-back; the next he’s scoring comedic own goals and letting opponents dance past at will. Everton winger Aiden McGeady will be hoping he’s on a bad day, rather than a good one.
Sunderland injuries and suspensions
Out: Ricardo Álvarez (knee), Emanuele Giaccherini (ankle), Patrick van Aanholt (dislocated shoulder), Sebastián Coates (thigh), Billy Jones (hamstring), Lee Cattermole (suspended) In doubt: Jack Rodwell (calf).
Everton injuries and suspensions
Out: Kevin Mirallas (hamstring), John Stones (ankle), Antolín Alcaraz (dislocated shoulder), Bryan Oviedo (leg), Arouna Koné (knee). In doubt: Gareth Barry (knock).
Sunderland still have a pretty lengthy list of absentees, with defender Patrick van Aanholt and the suspended Lee Cattermole the latest additions. However, Jack Rodwell could return from a calf problem to play. Everton, meanwhile, still have the same players sidelined, though Gareth Barry is hoping to recover from a knock picked up in the Europa League to be involved.
Match Date/Time: Sunday, 1:30 p.m. local, 8:30 a.m. ET
Venue: Stadium of Light, Sunderland, England
TV: Premier League Extra Time, Directv (U.S.), TSN3 (Canada)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S.)
This was originally the American TV game, but it was changed late. You can find Tottenham Hotspur vs. Stoke City on NBC Sports Network.
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