Predicted Everton starting XI v Sunderland

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Everton head to the Stadium of Light on Monday night.

Ronald Koeman takes his unbeaten Everton side to the North East on Monday night, where they face Sunderland.

The tie will see David Moyes take on his former club, but Koeman will be more focused on continuing his impressive start to his Everton tenure.

Everton’s last visit to Wearside saw them lose 3-0, a result which saw Sunderland avoid relegation and Roberto Martinez lose his job. However, with former Southampton boss Koeman now at the helm, things are on the up for the blue part of Merseyside.

With the Toffees recording seven out of a possible nine points, could this be the team that Koeman selects to pile more misery onto Sunderland?

Maarten Stekelenburg has had a strong start to his Everton career, and will continue between the sticks at the Stadium of Light.

Koeman started the season with a defensive three, but reverted to a back four for the 1-0 win against Stoke. With Seamus Coleman returning from his injury, he could come back into the side at the expense of Mason Holgate, meaning Everton will most likely go with a back four.

Everton’s strong centre-back partnership or Phil Jagielka and Ashley Williams will hope that they can handle Jermain Defoe, who will be Sunderland’s main threat going forward.

Idrissa Gueye is another new signing at Everton who has started strongly in blue, and he will join Gareth Barry in front of the defence, allowing the attackers to flourish.

Koeman has a pacey and gifted attacking three in midfield, with Yannick Bolasie, Ross Barkley and Kevin Mirallas likely to provide the creativity Everton will need to break down the red-and-white defence. Another option is Gerard Deulofeu, but he will probably have to settle for a place on the bench.

Up front will be Romelu Lukaku, who made his first start of the season against Stoke last time out, and scored twice for Belgium in their 3-0 victory over Cyprus. The big striker is yet to score for the Toffees this season, and will be hoping he can find the net on Monday night.