Everton have started life under their new manager Ronald Koeman in a fine manner as the Toffees are unbeaten after three Premier League outings. Having started with a 1-1 draw against Spurs, Everton defeated West Brom and Stoke City to take their points tally to seven from three games and a win on their travel to Sunderland will keep them in the top three of the Premier League. David Moyes lines up against his former club with a desperation for his first win in the League as a Sunderland boss.
This Monday night game has every ingredient to be a cracker as Moyes takes on his former side. Here are three player battles that could decide the fate of the game-
Jan Kirchhoff V Idrissa Gueye
Kirchhoff was signed by Sunderland in the last winter transfer window from Bayern Munich and the German played an integral role in securing Sunderland’s Premier League survival. The defensive midfielder, who has an excellent eye for passing, had been sorely missed from the start of the season by the Black Cats and the fans will hope that he can inspire Sunderland to a much-improved display. However, Everton’s midfield workhorse Idrissa Gueye will make it incredibly hard for the German to dominate the midfield area. The battle between the two midfielders can decide the game.
Lamine Kone V Romelu Lukaku
Lukaku stayed put to Everton despite all the speculations of him on a move away from Goodison Park but he is yet to fire so far this season. The Belgian will be looking to score his first goal of the season after a slow start to the season as an individual but will face a tough battle against Lamine Kone. Kone, blessed with an excellent aerial ability (3.5 aerial balls won every game), will make it incredibly hard for Lukaku and we have to wait and see if the Belgian can come out as a winner.
Jermain Defoe V Ashley Williams
Age looks like just a number for Defoe who is in a brilliant form for Sunderland from the last season. The 33-year-old has scored twice this season in three games and pose the biggest threat to Everton backline. Everton’s new summer signing Ashley Williams will be assigned the duty to deal with Defoe as he is the faster of the two central defenders Everton are expected to start with. The battle between Williams and Defoe will be something to watch out for.
