On-loan Arsenal defender Philippe Senderos could make his debut for Everton as David Moyes’s side aim to continue their recent good run with victory over Sunderland. Midfielder Mikel Arteta may also make his first appearance of the season for the Toffees after recovering from long-term knee trouble while Black Cats boss Steve Bruce will be tempted to include new arrival Matthew Kilgallon as his side chase a first win in nine league games.

Quick Check

Everton

  • New signing Philippe Senderos is in contention to make his debut after joining on loan from Arsenal.
  • Midfielder Mikel Arteta could make his first league appearance of the season after long-term knee trouble.
  • Steven Pienaar has scored in his last two league games.
  • Midfielders Jack Rodwell and Dan Gosling are back in training after injuries.
  • The Toffees are unbeaten in their last seven Premier League matches.
  • Everton are unbeaten against Sunderland since December 2001.
  • Marouane Fellaini scored against the Black Cats when the two sides drew 1-1 on Boxing Day.
  • Joseph Yobo and Yakubu are on international duty at the African Cup of Nations with Nigeria.
  • Phil Jagielka remains sidelined by long-term knee problems.

Sunderland

  • New signing Matt Kilgallon is in line to make his debut in defence.
  • Andy Reid could return to the starting line-up after four weeks out with a groin strain.
  • He could be joined in midfield by Lee Cattermole who has recovered from a knee problem.
  • Darren Bent has scored four goals in his last five games, including against Everton on Boxing Day.
  • The Black Cats are hoping for their first win in nine league games.
  • Defender Nyron Nosworthy is still an injury doubt.
  • John Mensah is out for another week with a hamstring problem.
  • Anton Ferdinand is still troubled by ankle trouble.
  • The Black Cats have kept one clean sheet in their last 12 league matches and conceded seven at Chelsea last weekend.
  • Sunderland have won only one of their last 21 away games.

Expert Advice

David Moyes was always confident that results would turn around for Everton when key players returned and that has been the case with the Toffees unbeaten in their last nine league games and favourites to make it ten against Sunderland. Mikel Arteta is the latest player to make his comeback from injury and his presence will lend some extra creativity to a side that is already looking threatening when it attacks. Moyes will have sympathy with Black Cats boss Steve Bruce who is going through the sort of injury problems that were evident at Goodison Park earlier in the campaign. The visitors’ troubles show few signs of clearing up and, with confidence low, a home win by two goals or more at Betsson’s odds of 2.65 appears a value bet.

Bet it!