Paul Merson can’t believe what he’s predicted to happen in Sunderland vs Everton – ‘I’m still going to do it’
Everton will be up against one of the Premier League’s form sides when they travel to the Stadium of Light on Monday.
Sunderland will host Everton as they look to build on an incredible start that sees them currently sit fourth in the Premier League.
The Black Cats were promoted after winning the Championship play-offs last season, but have looked far better than the sides that finished a massive 24 points above them.
Everton are the slight favourites against Sunderland, however, despite the Toffees having won just one of their last seven games across all competitions.
David Moyes is expected to make two changes to his line-up against Sunderland, as the Scot looks to spur a response out of his players.
Paul Merson makes Sunderland vs Everton prediction
Moyes has only ever lost to Sunderland just twice from 22 meetings, with the Scot proving an unpopular figure at the Stadium of Light.
The 62-year-old was in charge of the Black Cats for the 2016-17 season, and oversaw the campaign that relegated Sunderland to the Championship.
| Sunderland | Premier League 2025-26 | Everton |
| 17 | Points | 11 |
| 11 | Goals scored | 9 |
| 8.8 | Expected goals (xG) | 12.4 |
| 7 | Goals conceded | 12 |
| 10.6 | Expected goals against (xGA) | 13.9 |
That relegation would mark the beginning of eight years of pain on Wearside, as Sunderland were relegated to League One before finally making their way back to the Premier League.
Now back, Regis Le Bris’ side are looking to make the most of it, and have enjoyed a superb start to the season.
Everton will look to halt that momentum on Monday, but Paul Merson has predicted a tough night for the Toffees.
“Everton haven’t been great away from home,” the former Arsenal midfielder wrote for Sportskeeda. “I can’t believe what I’m about to predict here but I’m still going to do it. Sunderland to win this!
“I know this is a game that can come back to haunt me because at some point, Sunderland will start losing games.
“If that happens this weekend, then you look at this prediction and think, ‘why did he even back Sunderland against the quality Everton have in attack?'”
David Moyes suggests fixable problem vs Sunderland
Speaking after Everton had lost to Tottenham, Moyes said: “Overall, the play was good enough to earn more than we did today, we’ve just got to try to tighten up and finish off some of the good play and the chances we have.“
But it is not quite as simple as that. The Toffees lack a clinical finisher, with Beto and Thierno Barry failing to convince this season so far.
Everton will need to take their chances against Sunderland, with the Black Cats usually giving up so few. While there is only so much Moyes can do to make that happen, the Scot will be under pressure to find a solution.
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