Form and Line-up Everton
Everton approach the end of the season on the back of a long winless run of five matches. In the previous round the home side failed to hold on to a lead against Crystal Palace (2:2), despite going ahead twice. Although the hosts have not won at home for two games in a row, the recent 3:3 draw with Manchester City showed that their attack is in excellent shape.
Key facts:
The hosts have conceded at least two goals in each of their last five league matches.
Captain James Tarkowski ranks in the league's top three for average number of aerial duels won (4.1 per 90 minutes).
The team have scored 26% of their goals this season from set pieces, after corners or free kicks.
Over the last 30 days the home side have averaged 5.2 shots on target per game.
Probable Everton line-up (4-2-3-1)
Jordan Pickford — Jake O'Brien, James Tarkowski, Michael Keane, Vitaliy Mykolenko — Tim Iroegbunam, James Garner — Merlin Roehl, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Iliman Ndiaye — Beto.
Absentees: Idrissa Gueye, Jack Grealish, Jarrad Branthwaite (injured).
Form and Line-up Sunderland
Last weekend Sunderland produced an unexpectedly goalless draw at home against Manchester United (0:0), ending the visitors' run of consecutive games with goals: this year they became the first team not to concede against them. Regis Le Bris's side tend to sit deep away from home, but use counterattacks extremely effectively, having scored in five consecutive matches. Over the same stretch Sunderland have lost only once.
Key facts:
The visitors have kept a clean sheet in the first half in each of their last four away matches.
As many as 14 different players have scored for the visitors in the league this season.
The team from Tyne and Wear rank fourth in the league for interceptions made in central areas.
Over the last 30 days Sunderland have not taken a single penalty.
Probable Sunderland line-up (4-2-3-1)
Robin Rufs — Reinildo Mandava, Omar Alderete, Nordi Mukiele, Lutsharel Geertruida — Granit Xhaka, Noah Sadiki — Enzo Le Fee, Shamsdine Talbi, Trai Hume — Brian Brobbey.
Absentees: Romain Mundle (injured), Dan Ballard (suspended).
