Everton take on Sunderland in the Premier League this afternoon.
Sunderland’s Stadium of Light
Pundit Mark Lawrenson has told BBC Sport that he thinks Everton will draw 1-1 at home with Sunderland this afternoon.
The Toffees are back in action on Saturday afternoon having enjoyed a free schedule last weekend, given that they were knocked out of the FA Cup in the third round.
Last time out, Everton drew 0-0 away at Middlesbrough in a frustrating game for Ronald Koeman’s men, but the Toffees are now eight games unbeaten, winning five and drawing three.
Everton are currently enjoying a great run of form, and will be hoping to keep the pressure on the top six as they return to Goodison Park for the first time since beating Bournemouth 6-3 earlier this month, with Sunderland arriving in town.
The Black Cats lost 4-0 at home to Southampton last time out, leaving them bottom of the Premier League table, and are also back after a two-week break.
David Moyes makes his return to Goodison Park having spent 11 years as Everton boss, and will be hoping for a positive result given that Sunderland lie two points shy of safety in the battle against relegation.
Mark Lawrenson
Having been hammered 3-0 by Everton earlier this season, Sunderland will desperately want to exert some revenge on the Toffees – and pundit Mark Lawrenson believes they will at least get a decent result.
Lawrenson has told BBC Sport that whilst Everton are in ‘excellent’ form, he has a feeling that Sunderland get a point, predicting a 1-1 draw between the two teams.
“Goodison Park will be familiar territory for a few of Sunderland’s players, as well as Black Cats boss David Moyes,” said Lawrenson. “After 11 years as Everton manager, Moyes lost the first time he went back there, as Manchester United manager in 2014, and he will clearly be desperate to avoid the same outcome on Saturday.”
“It will be tough for them because Everton are in excellent form. They have not lost in the league since the Merseyside derby before Christmas – and they were unlucky to be beaten in that game. But I just have a feeling Sunderland will get something here. They will have their chances, and I think they might find a way of picking up a point,” he added.
What’s your prediction for Everton v Sunderland?
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