Everton vs Sunderland Confirmed Lineup: Moyes Faces Midfield Crisis as Gueye Doubtful
Everton boss David Moyes faces a midfield headache as Idrissa Gueye is a doubt for the Sunderland clash. Get the predicted lineup and team news here.
Everton Starting XI vs Sunderland: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup
Everton head into Sunday's Premier League meeting with Sunderland looking to bounce back from a disappointing run of form. However, manager David Moyes has been dealt a major blow in midfield, with Idrissa Gueye emerging as a doubt for the fixture.
Gueye Absence Leaves Everton Short in Midfield
Gueye has been a key cog in Everton's engine room this season, providing defensive stability and energy. His potential absence would leave Moyes with a significant tactical dilemma. The Senegalese international picked up a knock in training and is currently rated as 50-50 to face the Black Cats.
Should Gueye fail to recover in time, Moyes will have to reshuffle his midfield. Options include bringing in Andre Gomes or Jean-Philippe Gbamin, though both have struggled for form and fitness. Alternatively, Moyes could shift to a more defensive setup, possibly deploying Mason Holgate in midfield alongside Allan.
Predicted Everton Lineup vs Sunderland
Based on Moyes' likely approach, here is the predicted starting XI:
- Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford
- Defenders: Seamus Coleman, James Tarkowski, Jarrad Branthwaite, Vitaliy Mykolenko
- Midfield: Allan, Andre Gomes (if Gueye is out), Abdoulaye Doucouré
- Forwards: Demarai Gray, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Dwight McNeil
Moyes may also consider a more attacking option with Anthony Gordon or Alex Iwobi, but the need for midfield solidity against a resilient Sunderland side could see him stick with a conservative approach.
Sunderland's Threat
Sunderland, under manager Tony Mowbray, have been unpredictable this season. They possess pace on the counter through players like Jack Clarke and Ross Stewart, who will test Everton's backline. The Toffees must be wary of set pieces, where Sunderland have been dangerous. Everton's defense, led by Tarkowski and Branthwaite, will need to be at their best to keep a clean sheet.
What's at Stake
Everton currently sit in mid-table, but a win could propel them closer to the top half. Sunderland are battling relegation, making this a crucial six-pointer. The Goodison Park crowd will be expected to rally behind the team, but Moyes must find the right balance to overcome the potential loss of Gueye.
Kick-off is at 2 PM BST. Stay tuned for confirmed lineups an hour before the match.