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.
Everton, on the other hand, will see this as a must-win match but games against relegation strugglers are never easy and Ronald Koeman has to make sure his players don’t get complacent in any manner.
Let us take a look at the 3 key battles which will have a bearing on the outcome of the game.
JERMAIN DEFOE VS ASHLEY WILLIAMS
Sunderland’s only player who can probably push for a starting place in most of the Premier League teams on the basis of what we have seen this season. He has single-handedly kept the Black Cats in the hunt to survive the relegation dogfight. His consistency has been eye-catching and his value to the club is perhaps more than any player in the League right now vis-a-vis their club. Everton will pay special attention to him and Williams is likely to be handed this particular responsibility. The former Swansea captain is settling in well and is already looking like a leader in his new surroundings. The battle between the two experienced campaigners will be the one to watch out for.
ROSS BARKLEY VS OVIEDO
The England star has looked like getting back into the groove recently and looks to have reclaimed his starting spot in the team which was under a cloud for a while. Everton are in a good position but their inconsistency has hurt them at times already this year. Something that the midfielder is well accustomed to.
He needs to start delivering more regularly now and playing alongside Lukaku and Lookman, he will look to add assists and goals. He will mostly play on the right-side and will come up against new signing, Oviedo who has been trusted by Moyes to get the job done after Van Aanholt’s exit.
ROMELU LUKAKU VS LAMINE KONE
The big Belgian is understandably Everton’s highest goal scorer leading the charts with 16 goals and 4 assists. He has threatened to break free at times and although he has had his periodical droughts, his devastating effect on a day can be vouched for by the Cherries. Lukaku will again be the main man and Sunderland will have to keep him in check, or at least try to. Kone has the ability but it is to be seen whether he can deliver the goods on the day his club needs it.
