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Predicted Sunderland starting XI v Everton

Sunderland manager David Moyes (REUTERS)
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David Moyes takes on his old club on Monday night having made a number of deadline day signings.

Sunderland manager David Moyes

Sunderland take on Everton on Monday night, as David Moyes looks to pick up his first win at the expense of his former employers.

The Black Cats have picked up just one point so far this season, whereas the Toffees have started the campaign in fine form under new manager Ronald Koeman.

In what will be a difficult game against an unbeaten Everton side, could this be the team Moyes selects in his quest for three points?

Having missed England Under-21 action due to an injury, Jordan Pickford should be fit to continue in goal following Vito Mannone’s absence. Sunderland have signed stopper Mika from Boavista, but Pickford should maintain his place in the starting XI.

Despite speculating that he could switch to three at the back following the arrival of Jason Denayer, Moyes will likely stick to a back four, fielding the same defence that played in the 1-1 draw with Southampton. Manquillo’s reluctance to attack will give more space to Adnan Januzaj down the right, while Patrick van Aanholt’s attaking intent will add extra impetus to Sunderland’s left flank.

Sunderland's Patrick van Aanholt and Papy Djilobodji in action with Southampton's Nathan Redmond

Jan Kirchhoff returned to action midweek with the Sunderland Under-23 side, and should come straight back to Premier League action, providing he can prove his fitness to boss Moyes. The German won’t be paired with deadline day singing Didier Ndong due to suspension, meaning Jack Rodwell should continue in the middle of the park

With Fabio Borini ruled out due to a groin injury, Steven Pienaar could be allowed to play in a more advanced role against his former club, with the South African’s experience and reliability surely more tempting to Moyes than the rawness and sometimes wasteful Duncan Watmore.

Referee Lee Mason shows a yellow card to Sunderland's Steven Pienaar

Out wide will be Lynden Gooch and Januzaj, who have both done well in what has been a difficult start to the season for Sunderland.

Up top will be Jermain Defoe, who has two goals to his name so far this season. Sunderland have signed another former Everton player in Victor Anichebe, but Moyes has confirmed that the striker is not ready to make his debut on Monday.

Sunderland's Jermain Defoe celebrates scoring their first goal