Sunderland face a decisive match on Wednesday when they welcome Everton at the Stadium of Light, if the Black Cats get all three points then they will be sure of playing Premier League football next season. Newcastle and Norwich fans will throw all their support behind Everton, as a win for Sunderland will condemn the Magpies and the Canaries to relegation. Everton have lost just one of their last 10 matches at Sunderland, with the Black Cats managing to score just six goals in the process. The reverse fixture was won convincingly by Everton, it ended 6-2 after probably the best performance of the season for the Toffees.
Sunderland had a pretty good second half of the season, considering that they had been seven points away from safety at the beginning of 2016. They have lost just four games since, but recorded eight draws, too many to secure their Premier League status. Last weekend they pulled off a crucial 3-2 victory over Chelsea, a result which, coupled with Newcastle's draw at Aston Villa, put the Black Cats above the line. Now all they have to do is win one of their two remaining matches, if they won't beat Everton they will have another chance on Sunday at Watford.
Everton are hoping to end a negative season on a positive note, there isn't much left for them to play for in this campaign. They are 12th in the Premier League table, 21 points away from fourth-placed Manchester City and just 10 points above the relegation zone. They have won just one of their last nine league matches and have tasted victory just 10 times this season, way too little for a team that has star players like Romelu Lukaku or Ross Barkley. Manager Roberto Martinez has to withstand pressure from the fans, some are calling for his resignation. They could still finish inside the top half of the table, but only if they win both their remaining league fixtures.
Probable line-ups:
Sunderland: Mannone - Yedlin, Kaboul, Kone, Van Aanholt - Kirchhoff, Cattermole, M'Vila, Borini, Khazri - Defoe
Everton: Robles - Oviedo, Pennington, Stones, Baines - McCarthy, Cleverley, Lennon, Barkley, Mirallas - Lukaku
My prediction: Sunderland to win 1-0.
Here are the odds for the match at Bet365:
Sunderland win - 1.75 Draw - 4.00 Everton win - 5.00
sharpe 7 years ago
Sunderland managed to stay one more time in the Premier League after an actions season in which they could easily go down. It was a great performance against not fully motivated and out of form Everton team and Black Cats did it again, its their fourth escape in the last decade if I'm not mistaken.
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Alexa Alexa 7 years ago
This was very important match for Sunderland.If they have lost,they could be relegated,but they managed to win this match and definitely be safe and avoid relegation.Fantastic achievement for them,they were not in good position.Another successful season for Big Sam Allardyce.He proved again he is one of the best in the...
This was very important match for Sunderland.If they have lost,they could be relegated,but they managed to win this match and definitely be safe and avoid relegation.Fantastic achievement for them,they were not in good position.Another successful season for Big Sam Allardyce.He proved again he is one of the best in the business.
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king_david 7 years ago
The perfect match for Sunderland. A very important victory. The team survived in the league. I believed this team win a better position in the championship. They have excellent players, teams need a good striker, next season will win a better position in the championship.
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milo?.sekuli? 7 years ago
Its 2:0 for Sunderland at the halftime. They are totally controling the match. One thing I like about Sunderland is that, they are completly focused and strong when is needed. Against Chelsea they were highly motivated, played well, also tonight. They deserve to stay in Premier. I'm also happy for Big Sam, he looks like...
Its 2:0 for Sunderland at the halftime. They are totally controling the match. One thing I like about Sunderland is that, they are completly focused and strong when is needed. Against Chelsea they were highly motivated, played well, also tonight. They deserve to stay in Premier. I'm also happy for Big Sam, he looks like a cool guy :D
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h34dhunt3r 7 years ago
Sunderland needs points to secure their Premier League status. Everton has nothing to play for. I think it is pretty much clear who has motivation in this match and who not. Sunderland again will probably dodge relegation. On the other hand, team from Guddison Park had awful season, and with some players probably leaving...
Sunderland needs points to secure their Premier League status. Everton has nothing to play for. I think it is pretty much clear who has motivation in this match and who not. Sunderland again will probably dodge relegation. On the other hand, team from Guddison Park had awful season, and with some players probably leaving for bigger clubs this summer I can't see their passion in tonights match. My predictions: - Result: 2-0 for Sunderland - Man of the match: Jermain Defoe
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mannixx 7 years ago
With a win Sunderland will secure their Premier league status for next year and Newcastle will definitely go to Championship, but it wount be easy to win against Everton even though they dont have result motivation , Martinez could lose his job with a bad form in last few games and with few loses cuz their season was disappointment.
With a win Sunderland will secure their Premier league status for next year and Newcastle will definitely go to Championship, but it wount be easy to win against Everton even though they dont have result motivation , Martinez could lose his job with a bad form in last few games and with few loses cuz their season was disappointment.
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