Everton vs Sunderland Match Preview: Key Player Availability

The Premier League clash between Everton and Sunderland is scheduled for 17 May 2026 at Hill Dickinson Stadium in Liverpool, with J. Brooks appointed as referee. Everton come into this Regular Season - 37 fixture sitting 10th on 49 points and a goal difference of 0, while Sunderland are 12th with 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; his 2 goals and 6 assists from midfield make this a major blow to their creative threat. I. Gueye (Injury) is sidelined, removing an experienced presence in the centre of the pitch. Key creator J. Garner, who leads the assist charts here with 7 assists and 2 goals, is available and expected to shoulder extra responsibility.

Sunderland Availability

Sunderland have two confirmed absentees. D. Ballard (Red Card) is sidelined, depriving them of a central defensive option through suspension. R. Mundle (Hamstring Injury) is sidelined, reducing their attacking depth in wide areas. Chief playmaker G. Xhaka, with 6 assists and 1 goal, remains available to drive Sunderland’s midfield.

Impact Summary

Everton lose significant creativity through Grealish but retain Garner’s output, while Sunderland’s main damage is structural at the back with Ballard out, rather than in pure attacking production.