The final fixture of the Premier League’s tenth matchweek is a compelling North East clash as high-flying Sunderland welcome Everton to the Stadium of Light. The Black Cats, under the guidance of Regis Le Bris, have confounded critics with a sensational start to their top-flight return, sitting surprisingly high up the table after a remarkable run of form. Conversely, Everton and their manager, former Sunderland boss David Moyes, travel to Wearside desperate for a positive result to halt a troubling run that has seen them slip towards the relegation battle. The match presents a fascinating contrast in momentum and provides a key opportunity for both sides to either cement their top-half status or alleviate immediate pressure.
Match Details: Key Information
CompetitionPremier LeagueDateMonday, November 3, 2025Kick-off8:00 PM UK TimeVenueStadium of Light, Sunderland
Team Form and Analysis for Sunderland
A Resilient Start and Home Fortress
Sunderland’s journey back to the Premier League has been nothing short of spectacular, and their current form reflects a side playing with freedom and tactical intelligence. They have accumulated an impressive 17 points from their first nine matches, marking their best start to a top-flight campaign in decades.
Domestic Form: The Power of ResilienceThe Black Cats enter this match on the back of a significant 2-1 comeback victory away at Chelsea, a result that highlights their most valuable trait: resilience. Crucially, they have secured more points from losing positions (seven) than any other team in the league. Their home ground, the Stadium of Light, has become a fortress, with the team unbeaten there so far, recording three wins and one draw, and conceding a mere two goals. Manager Régis Le Bris has successfully integrated a host of new signings, creating a positive and unified dressing room dynamic.
Key Player: Granit XhakaThe veteran Swiss midfielder, surprisingly signed in the summer, has been transformative. As the newly appointed club captain, his leadership, experience, and ability to dictate the tempo from deep midfield are central to Sunderland’s successful transition and structural solidity. His presence allows the more creative players to flourish further up the pitch.
Team Form and Analysis for Everton
Searching for a Positive Response
Everton arrive at the Stadium of Light under significant pressure following a dip in their performance and results. David Moyes’ team has struggled to convert possession into goals and their recent defensive frailties have been heavily punished.
Domestic Form: Defensive Concerns and Goal DroughtThe Toffees have lost their last two league matches, suffering back-to-back defeats without scoring a goal, including a comprehensive 3-0 loss at home to Tottenham Hotspur. This goal drought is a major concern, and their overall form shows just one win in their last seven matches across all competitions. Away from home, their record is poor, with three losses in four away matches this season. Everton’s challenge is to find the necessary cutting edge to break down one of the division’s meanest defences.
Key Player: Jack GrealishThe England international remains Everton’s primary source of creativity and attacking threat. Grealish ranks highly for chances created and take-ons attempted in the Premier League. However, his efforts from the left wing have often been nullified by a lack of clinical finishing from the central forwards, a problem David Moyes alluded to in his pre-match comments.
Head-to-Head Record and Statistics
The historical meetings between Sunderland and Everton lean heavily in favour of the Merseyside club in the Premier League era, but recent form suggests the tide may be turning. This match is their first league meeting since the 2016/17 season.
Head-to-Head MetricSunderlandEvertonTotal Matches Played (since 1996)3636Total Wins920Total Draws77Last Six Premier League MeetingsW-L-L-W-L-LL-W-W-L-W-WLast Meeting (EFL Cup, Sep 2017)Loss (0-1)Win (1-0)
Team News and Predicted Line-ups
Sunderland Team News
Manager Régis Le Bris has been boosted by the potential return of two key players. Defender Omar Alderete has trained with the squad and is hopeful of being cleared from concussion protocols. Winger Simon Adingra is also in contention after recovering from a minor hamstring issue. However, the club still has a number of long-term absentees including Habib Diarra (groin), Romaine Mundle (hamstring), Leo Hjelde (Achilles), and Dennis Cirkin (wrist).
Sunderland Predicted XI (4-3-3): Roefs; Hume, Mukiele, Alderete, Reinildo; Xhaka, Le Fée, Sadiki; Talbi, Isidor, Traoré.
Everton Team News
David Moyes confirmed no new major injury concerns ahead of the match, but two important defensive players remain unavailable. Jarrad Branthwaite is a long-term absentee following hamstring surgery, and Nathan Patterson is also out after a minor groin procedure. Former Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is expected to start against his old club.
Everton Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Pickford; O’Brien, Keane, Tarkowski, Mykolenko; Garner, Gueye; Ndiaye, Dewsbury-Hall, Grealish; Barry.
Players to Watch: The Key Battles
Wilson Isidor (Sunderland): The striker is the Black Cats’ leading scorer and is in excellent form, having scored in three of their four home matches this season. His movement and clinical finishing will test the Everton centre-backs.
Chemsdine Talbi (Sunderland): The match-winner against Chelsea, Talbi provides pace and unpredictability on the wing and will be a constant threat in transition.
Iliman Ndiaye (Everton): With four goal contributions in the league, Ndiaye is one of Everton’s few reliable attacking outlets. He will be crucial in linking the midfield to the frontline and relieving pressure on the defence.
James Tarkowski (Everton): The experienced defender will be tasked with marshalling the defence against Sunderland’s potent counter-attacking pace. His leadership and aerial dominance will be essential.
Prediction
Analysis of the Likely Outcome
The momentum firmly rests with the home side. Sunderland’s confidence is sky-high, backed by their incredible start and an outstanding home record. They possess a well-organized defence, which will be a significant hurdle for an Everton side that is struggling severely in the final third and has not scored in their last two outings. David Moyes will undoubtedly prepare a rigid and physical setup aimed at frustrating the hosts and securing a precious point. However, Sunderland’s combination of Granit Xhaka’s control and the pace of their attackers appears too strong for a struggling Everton. The Black Cats are likely to find a way to breach the visitors’ defence, possibly in the second half, and secure another narrow but vital victory.
Score Prediction: Sunderland 1-0 Everton
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