Everton vs Sunderland Match Preview: Key Updates

Match Context

Everton host Sunderland at Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool on 17 May 2026, with kick-off at 14:00 UTC. The Premier League clash comes in Regular Season - 37, with Everton sitting 10th on 49 points and a goal difference of 0, while Sunderland are 12th on 48 points with a goal difference of -9.

Everton Availability

Everton face multiple absences. J. Branthwaite (Hamstring Injury) is sidelined. J. Grealish (Foot Injury) is sidelined. I. Gueye (Injury) is sidelined. Grealish’s creative output is significant, with 2 goals and 6 assists, making his absence a major blow to Everton’s attacking structure. Key creator J. Garner, who leads the assist chart for Everton with 7 assists and 2 goals, is available and expected to shoulder extra responsibility in midfield.

Sunderland Availability

Sunderland also have important players missing. D. Ballard (Red Card) is sidelined, ruling out a key defensive presence through suspension. R. Mundle (Hamstring Injury) is sidelined, removing a wide attacking option from the squad. G. Xhaka, with 1 goal and 6 assists, remains available to drive Sunderland’s midfield and supply their forwards.

Impact Summary

Everton lose significant creativity with Grealish out, but retain Garner’s playmaking. Sunderland’s main damage is structural: Ballard’s suspension weakens their back line, while Mundle’s injury trims their attacking depth, increasing reliance on Xhaka’s distribution.