Everton vs Sunderland Match Preview: Premier League Round 37

Match Context

Everton host Sunderland at Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool on 17 May 2026, with the Premier League regular season reaching Round 37. Everton sit 10th on 49 points with a goal difference of 0, while Sunderland are 12th on 48 points and a goal difference of -9.

Everton Availability

Everton face multiple absences. J. Branthwaite (Hamstring Injury) is sidelined. J. Grealish (Foot Injury) is sidelined. I. Gueye (Injury) is sidelined. Grealish’s absence is a major blow given his creative impact, with 2 goals and 6 assists from midfield. With no further injuries or suspensions listed, key creator J. Garner (2 goals, 7 assists) is available to start and will be central to Everton’s build-up play from deeper areas.

Sunderland Availability

Sunderland have two confirmed absentees. D. Ballard (Red Card) is sidelined through suspension, removing an experienced defensive option. R. Mundle (Hamstring Injury) is sidelined, reducing Sunderland’s attacking depth in the wide areas. Playmaker G. Xhaka, who has 1 goal and 6 assists, remains available to anchor midfield and supply the attack.

Impact Summary

Everton lose significant creativity and ball progression with Grealish and Gueye out, forcing greater reliance on Garner. Sunderland’s main damage is structural: Ballard’s suspension weakens their back line, while Mundle’s injury trims their forward rotation, placing extra creative responsibility on Xhaka.