Everton vs Sunderland: Prediction, H2H and probable lineups — January 10, 2026
On Saturday, January 10, in the FA Cup Round of 64, Everton will face off against Sunderland. Read on for a detailed look at both teams and get our match prediction below.
Match preview
Everton have looked more confident this season compared to recent campaigns, but the Toffees have hit a rough patch lately. In their last six matches, they've managed just one win—an EPL victory over Nottingham. In the previous round, Everton avoided defeat but dropped points against league strugglers Wolverhampton. That match also brought significant personnel losses: Michael Keane received a straight red card, while Jack Grealish was sent off for a second yellow after arguing with the referee. As a result, the Toffees will be without both players against Sunderland.
This fixture marks the FA Cup debut for both sides this season. Last year, Everton confidently cleared this stage by defeating Peterborough United 2-0, but then crashed out in the next round against Bournemouth. This time, the club will be aiming for a deeper run.
Sunderland started their campaign brightly but soon hit a slight slump. Still, Régis Le Bris’s squad sits mid-table in the Premier League, occupying 10th place. The Black Cats are winless in five straight games, but four of those ended in draws and just one in defeat. Overall, Sunderland are the league’s draw specialists, racking up nine stalemates already—though draws are not an option in the FA Cup.
Last season, Sunderland exited at this very stage, losing to Stoke City on penalties. However, that squad was notably weaker and playing in the Championship. Since 2019, the Black Cats have only once made it past this round, suggesting the FA Cup isn't a priority competition for the club.
Match facts and head-to-head
- Five of Everton’s last six matches have seen fewer than three goals scored.
- Five of Sunderland’s last six fixtures have also featured under three goals.
- In their last ten head-to-head encounters, Everton hold the edge: the Toffees have won five times, Sunderland three, and two matches have ended in a draw.
- The sides have already met this Premier League season—a 1-1 draw.
- These teams have faced off just once in the FA Cup, in the 2012 quarterfinals. The first match ended 1-1, forcing a replay, which Everton won 2-0.
Probable lineups
- Everton: Pickford - Patterson, Tarkowski, O'Brien, Mykolenko - Iroegbunam, Garner, Röhl - Dibling, McNeil, Barry
- Sunderland: Roefs - Mukiele, Ballard, Alderete, Hume - Neil, Geertruida, Le Fée - Rigg, Adingra, Brobbey
Prediction
Given both clubs’ FA Cup track records, I believe the hosts have a better chance of progressing to the next round. Sunderland have never set high targets in this tournament and in recent years have almost always exited early. For extra security, I recommend backing Everton with an Asian handicap (0).
