Sunderland’s momentum which was slowly building was snapped midway by a re-energised Southampton side led by the new signing- Manolo Gabbiadini. David Moyes will now look to somehow get his side back on track as it is a now-or-never scenario for the Black Cats. Both Swansea City and Hull City have looked capable of pulling off a major surprise after they were stuck at the bottom. And in light of the improved displays of their fellow relegation strugglers, it is clear that they need to buck up with time running out. The break in matches might have helped them get their act together after the latest thumping and would have also afforded the players a chance to get their fitness back on track.
Such a demoralising campaign might sometimes result in players getting sucked into a pattern and the matches and the subsequent losses keep coming at such a rapid pace that the situation gets out of hand before a backup plan can be initiated. Moyes has to use this break to the best of his ability and brief the players of the next plan of action. Sunderland, as a club, has been in this situation before and they need to use that to their advantage.
PREDICTED SUNDERLAND XI VS EVERTON (3-5-2)
DEFENCE
Vito Mannone is expected to start in goal as the match might come too soon for Pickford who sustained a serious injury after a bright start to the season. The 3-man backline is likely to continue but Moyes will be desperate to get Djilobodji back who is serving his suspension. O’Shea is likely to be partnered with Denayer and Kone. Denayer had a match to forget and needs to be more consistent. Kone has to take responsibility while O’Shea will come back refreshed after a break.
MIDFIELD
Midfield has been an area where he has chopped and changed a lot. Most of it has been due to injuries and suspensions but Moyes has failed to identify his best combination. At right wingback, Jones is expected to continue with Oviedo as the left wingback. There is likely to be a 3-man midfield. Ndong looks like a certainty. Larsson will continue and his dead ball skills should be made use of by Sunderland who need to take whatever chances they get now. Gibson has come in from Everton and the gaffer will look to him to shore things up.
ATTACK
Though Moyes will have a couple of options back, he is likely to start in this formation and will have Januzaj and Defoe up front. Defoe has been brilliant till now and needs a little support from his teammates.