Everton vs Sunderland prediction, H2H and probable lineups — May 17, 2026
As part of Matchday 37 in the English Premier League, Everton will face Sunderland. The clash will take place in Liverpool on Sunday, May 17. Kickoff is scheduled for 16:00 Central European Time. I'm offering a bet on the winner of this game.
Match preview
Everton are experiencing a tense season, still fighting for European qualification spots. The team has been inconsistent but still retains a slim chance to finish in the top seven.
In recent rounds, the Toffees have struggled to hold onto leads. Against Crystal Palace (2-2), they went ahead twice but let the win slip away in the dying moments. Before that, there was a thrilling but painful draw with Manchester City (3-3), where Everton led 3-1 only to concede late goals.
In previous matches, they also lost to West Ham (1-2) and Liverpool (1-2), highlighting a season-long issue—losing focus at crucial moments. Nevertheless, the attack led by Beto still manages to deliver results from time to time.
Overall, the team’s form remains unstable: Everton are competitive against strong opponents but regularly drop points due to defensive lapses and a lack of composure in the closing stages.
Sunderland are enjoying their first season back in the Premier League and are comfortably mid-table, far from the relegation scrap. That alone can be considered a success, as many had written off the Black Cats as relegation favorites before the campaign began.
Recently, the team has shown fairly stable performances. A goalless draw with Manchester United (0-0) highlighted their solid defensive organization, barely allowing the opposition any chances. Before that, results varied: a heavy loss to Nottingham Forest (0-5), a draw with Wolverhampton (1-1), and a high-scoring clash against Aston Villa (3-4).
Despite some heavy defeats, the squad looks balanced overall. Sunderland are dangerous in attack thanks to their pace and aggression, with Brian Brobbey remaining the main source of goals.
The team's main advantage is the lack of pressure. Sunderland play with freedom and can dictate the tempo through intensity and disciplined pressing. However, their away form is extremely inconsistent, collecting just 18 points in 18 matches on the road.
Match facts
- Everton are winless in their last five matches.
- Sunderland have drawn their last two games.
- Everton average 1.45 goals per home game, while Sunderland average 0.85 goals per away game.
Probable lineups
- Everton: Pickford, O'Brien, Tarkowski, Keane, Mykolenko, Garner, Airogbunam, Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye, Roll, Beto
- Sunderland: Ruufs, Geertruida, Mukiele, Alderete, Mandava, Xhaka, Sadiki, Le Fée, Mayenda, Talbi, Brobbey.
H2H
Sunderland have not beaten Everton away since 2015.
Prediction
Given the league motivation, Everton are expected to play more aggressively—especially at home, where they traditionally step up. Sunderland, meanwhile, can respond with lightning counterattacks and by capitalizing on the hosts' mistakes. My bet is on the visitors to win with a +1 goal handicap.
