Credit: Imago

Cameron Smith

Thu 14 May 2026 10:10, UK

Everton are desperate to get back to winning ways on Sunday, as they welcome Sunderland to Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The Toffees are winless in five since returning from the international break, with three draws and two losses.

Across that run, David Moyes’ side have suffered a late disappointment in four, having conceded late on against Liverpool, West Ham, Manchester City and Crystal Palace.

As a result, the European ambitions have taken a huge hit, with the Blues no longer in control.

However, they do remain in contention, and a win against Sunderland could throw them right back into contention.

Everton favourites to overcome Sunderland

Before the international break, Everton seized control of the race for European football with a 3-0 win against Chelsea.

Since that, though, their form has dipped, just as others around them have been able to get into a rhythm.

This weekend, however, the Toffees have been handed the tag of favourites as they host Sunderland.

With the latest set of predictions, Opta’s supercomputer has outlined a 52.7 per cent chance of a win for the hosts, with Sunderland’s chances narrowly lower than a draw, at 23.5 per cent.

With this in mind, the Merseyside outfit could be set to land one last punch as they battle for a European spot.

Everton to have one last chance at Europe

Overall, the season has been largely positive for Everton, who have left the relegation worries of yesteryear behind.

Continental football was of course, never the expectation heading into the term, but it would be a huge disappointment if the year was to fizzle out entirely.

Everton are far from in control, but there is still a shot at Europe, with the supercomputer giving them a 12.36 per cent chance of finishing eighth – thus coming with the reward of a Conference League spot.

Alongside this, there is a 3.32 per cent likelihood of climbing another place and finishing seventh, while any higher is deemed nigh on impossible, with sixth carrying a likelihood of 0.31 per cent.

With a visit to Tottenham to come on the final day, Everton’s season closer could be one carrying serious weight given Spurs’ precarious position just outside the bottom three.

And if they are to beat Sunderland this weekend, the chance is there to go to Spurs with their European ambitions on the line, with the momentum rebuilt from what would be a crucial points haul on Sunday.

Updated 24/7 with expert analysis from the heart of Goodison Park.