It will be a slightly emotional night of sorts on Monday when David Moyes squares up against the club he managed with such love and care for 11 long years as Everton led by Ronald Koeman come calling to the Stadium of Light. Sunderland would dearly love to nick a point at least at home but will be up against the formidable Toffees. David Moyes has understandably struggled since the beginning of the season having been installed at such short notice and getting virtually no time to work with his new recruits and the team before going into matches against clubs like Manchester City. But after a couple of defeats against Manchester City and tellingly Middlesbrough, he managed to nick a point in the game versus Southampton. David Moyes is expected to bring the same solid brand of football he epitomized at Goodison Park and thus teams will have to work hard to break them down as the season goes on, especially at the Stadium of Light.
Moyes has been hit with a long term injury to Fabio Borini which will further complicate matters but he has to put trust in the remaining players at his disposal to get the job done in the meantime.
HERE IS THE PREDICTED SUNDERLAND LINE-UP VS EVERTON (4-2-3-1)
DEFENCE
Jordon Pickford is expected to be fit to start in goal after picking up a minor thigh injury whilst on duty with the England U-21. He will have competition in the form of new signing Mika. Manquillo is expected to continue at right-back with an unchanged centre-back pairing of Papy Djilobodji and Lamine Kone. The adventurous Patrick Van Aanholt will be at left-back.
MIDFIELD
New signing Didier N’dong may be considered for the double pivot although he will have limited preparation with his new side having played for Gabon on Tuesday. Steven Pienaar represents an option to partner Jack Rodwell but Kirchhoff might get the nod having turned out for the reserves, though Monday night might still be too early for him. With Fabio Borini ruled out for around 3 months, Duncan Watmore might come into contention in the No.10 role then. Wahbi Khazri provides an alternative, though.
ATTACK
Adnan Januzaj will be on the right-hand side and will carry on his quest of having a good season after his re-union with Moyes. Lynden Gooch will likely line up on the opposite flank. Jermain Defoe will get back to shouldering the hopes of the Wearsider’s for goals once again.
