Everton take on Sunderland this evening, and Mark Lawrenson has predicted a 1-1 draw.
Mark Lawrenson
Pundit Mark Lawrenson has told BBC Sport that he thinks Sunderland and Everton will draw 1-1 this evening – but doesn’t understand why Everton didn’t move for Joe Hart.
Hosts Sunderland head into the game searching for a first win of the new Premier League season, having conceded late on to only draw 1-1 with Southampton last time out.
Sunderland manager David Moyes
With just one point from the first three games of the campaign, David Moyes desperately needs to pick up points quickly, starting with tonight’s game against Everton – which will see a number of reunions take place.
Not only will Sunderland boss Moyes face the club he managed for over 11 years, but recent signings Steven Pienaar and Victor Anichebe will also feature against the Toffees having played under Moyes at Goodison Park.
Meanwhile, Everton will be looking to continue an unbeaten start to the season, which has seen them pick up seven points from three games so far.
Everton’s Maarten Stekelenburg
The Toffees have impressed under new boss Ronald Koeman, but pundit Mark Lawrenson has suggested that he isn’t convinced by one of the club’s summer signings.
Lawrenson told BBC Sport that he isn’t sure that Maarten Stekelenburg is the right goalkeeper for Everton having arrived from Fulham over the summer, and suggested that Koeman should have gone for Manchester City’s Joe Hart, who has been loaned out to Torino.
Lawrenson added that Sunderland may lack creativity in midfield, and thinks the game will end 1-1 at the Stadium of Light this evening.
England’s Joe Hart
“Everton have started very brightly and I think everyone likes the look of them under Ronald Koeman so far,” said Lawrenson. “The only position in their team I have any doubts about is at goalkeeper, because Maarten Stekelenburg struggled at Fulham and I am not convinced by Joel Robles.”
“Koeman knows Stekelenburg after taking him on loan at Southampton last season, so he must have faith in him, but I am left wondering why he did not go in for Manchester City’s Joe Hart.”
“Sunderland made a few signings before the window closed, and they should be solid enough – but I am still not sure about where their creativity will come from in midfield,” he added.
What’s your prediction for Sunderland v Everton?
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