Match Pack: Sunderland vs Everton

Sunderland host Everton at the Stadium of Light on November 3, 2025, in a Premier League Matchweek 11 fixture that pits a newly promoted side against a gritty mid-table veteran. Under Régis Le Bris, Sunderland stormed back to the top flight after dominating the 2024–25 Championship, with Jobe Bellingham’s versatility and Jack Clarke’s pace driving their high-energy attack. The 49,000-capacity Stadium of Light’s passionate atmosphere, led by the Roker End, has become a fortress, amplifying Sunderland’s pressing and transition-based style. Everton, managed by Sean Dyche, secured survival and mid-table stability last season, relying on Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s aerial presence and James Tarkowski’s defensive solidity. The Toffees’ away form has been resilient, but the Stadium of Light’s intensity poses a unique challenge. This matchup contrasts Sunderland’s dynamic 4-2-3-1, built for rapid counters and wing play, against Everton’s physical 4-4-2, designed to absorb pressure and strike on set pieces. The Wearside venue will be electric, with Sunderland’s fans creating a wall of noise to unsettle Everton. With Sunderland targeting survival and Everton aiming for a top-10 finish, this clash will hinge on tactical discipline and individual battles, promising a hard-fought, high-stakes contest.

Insights:

• Sunderland posted a 16–4–3 home record in the 2024–25 Championship, averaging 2.0 goals per game at the Stadium of Light, where the Roker End’s roar often overwhelms opponents.
• Everton won 5 away games in 2024–25, conceding 1.5 goals per game, with draws in four of seven matches against top-12 sides.
• Sunderland’s 4-2-3-1 under Le Bris emphasizes quick transitions and high pressing, while Everton’s 4-4-2 focuses on aerial dominance and set-piece threats.
• Jack Clarke (12 goals in 2024–25 Championship) versus Everton’s Vitalii Mykolenko (2.2 tackles per game) will be key, with Clarke’s dribbling testing Mykolenko’s positioning.
• Everton lead the series 8–5–3 since 1993, but Sunderland’s 2–1 home win in 2016–17, with Jermain Defoe scoring, gives them confidence.
• Sunderland aim for Premier League survival, while Everton target a top-10 finish, making early points crucial for both.
• Sunderland’s Dan Neil is fit after a minor knock, but Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucouré is questionable with a hamstring strain, potentially limiting their midfield.
• The Stadium of Light’s passionate Roker End contrasts with Everton’s vocal away supporters, creating a charged atmosphere.
• Le Bris’s use of overlapping wingbacks could exploit Everton’s narrow defending, while Dyche’s emphasis on set-piece routines aims to punish Sunderland’s aerial lapses.
• Historical clashes at the Stadium of Light average 2.4 goals per game, often decided by set pieces or late counters.

Match Forecasts:

• Jack Clarke is likely to score or assist, using his Championship form (12 goals) to exploit Everton’s right flank, where Ashley Young may struggle defensively.
• Dominic Calvert-Lewin (10 goals in 2024–25) could trouble Sunderland’s defense with aerial presence, targeting Daniel Ballard on set pieces.
• Sunderland’s Pierre Ekwah (86% passing accuracy) will battle Everton’s James Garner and Idrissa Gueye, who averaged 2.3 tackles per game, with midfield physicality shaping the tempo.
• Everton converted 15% of corners into shots in 2024–25, with Tarkowski a aerial threat; Sunderland’s Luke O’Nien is strong defending set pieces.
• Sunderland’s Eliezer Mayenda could provide a late spark off the bench, while Everton’s Beto offers physicality in the final 20 minutes.
• Everton’s backline allowed 1.4 goals per away game in 2024–25, vulnerable to Sunderland’s quick transitions, which averaged 1.7 successful dribbles per game in the Championship.
• The game may see a physical first half, with 60% of Sunderland’s recent home games featuring goals after the 70th minute, suggesting late drama.
• Tactical battle hinges on Sunderland’s pressing intensity (1.8 turnovers forced per game) versus Everton’s aerial duels won (55%), with set pieces likely decisive.

Sunderland 1–1 Everton This match is poised for a hard-fought draw, with Sunderland’s home energy and Clarke’s flair balancing Everton’s physicality and set-piece threat. The Stadium of Light atmosphere will fuel Sunderland’s early press, likely leading to a goal from a counter. Everton’s aerial dominance, driven by Calvert-Lewin, should see them respond, with a late Tarkowski header leveling the score. Both teams’ resilience will ensure a tense, physical battle that splits the points.

Match Facts:

• Everton lead the series 8–5–3 since 1993, with 38 goals scored in those matches (2.0 goals per game average), often featuring tight contests.
• Stadium of Light, with a 49,000 capacity, is expected to sell out, with the Roker End creating a hostile atmosphere reaching 107 decibels.
• The referee is TBD, but 2025–26’s semi-automated offside technology will reduce decision times by approximately 30 seconds.
• Broadcast on Sky Sports (UK) and Peacock (US) with English and Spanish commentary; local radio includes BBC Radio Newcastle and BBC Radio Merseyside.
• Sunderland on November 3, 2025, forecasts 53°F with a 30% chance of light rain, potentially aiding direct play on a slick pitch.
• A Sunderland win would mark their 25th Premier League home victory since 2000, boosting their survival hopes.
• Jack Clarke is two goals shy of 15 career goals; Dominic Calvert-Lewin could reach 50 Premier League goals with a strike.
• Everton have won 65% of away games against promoted sides since 2010, often capitalizing on set pieces to secure results.