This could be the final chance for Sunderland to try and close the seven-point gap behind safety, but defeating red-hot Everton will be no easy task. The Toffees arrive at the Stadium of Light on the back of the stunning victory over Arsenal that made them the favourites to clinch the final Champions League berth.

Time running out

This has been another tumultuous season for Sunderland, who made it to the Capital One Cup final while fighting for their lives in the Premiership. And while the team have shown glimpses of quality under Gus Poyet, they haven’t quite lived up to their potential, with the Uruguayan struggling to find the right balance in the side and perfect starting line-up. With key attacker Steven Fletcher missing a big chunk of the season through injury, the Black Cats have been toothless up front, with Jozy Altidore and Fabio Borini scoring mere four goals between them. With summer signing Emaniele Giaccherini also struggling to make an impact and Andy Johnson only capable of doing so much on his own, Sunderland slipped to the bottom of the standings and they don’t look they can get away any time soon, in spite of having two games in hand. The Black Cats are under great deal of pressure at the moment as they are not only seven points behind safety, but have also lost seven of last eight games in all competitions, so you will forgive me for doubting they can show considerable improvement against in-form Everton.

Steven Fletcher and Keiren Westwood have been ruled out, but at least three are no fresh injury worries for Gus Poyet.

Martinez a miracle worker

A big portion of Everton fans were disappointed to see David Moyes leave Goodison Park in the summer after spending 11 years at the club, but magnificent Roberto Martinez has made the Toffees faithful quickly forget all about the Scottish manager. The Spaniard has managed to rebuild the squad in such a short time and got the team playing eye-catching football, while keeping the results at a very high level. Following some stunning performances during the season finale that culminated with the 3-0 triumph over top 4 rivals Arsenal, their sixth in a row, Everton are now in the driving seat to secure the first Champions League qualification since 2005. The Toffees will be brimming with confidence after such an impressive display against one of league’s top sides and they will fancy their chances of pouring more misery on bottom-placed Sunderland. And having won their last two fixtures on the road, scoring a total of six goals in triumphs over Fulham and Newcastle, Everton look a good bet to make another decisive step towards a top 4 finish.

Leon Osman has joined the injury list that still contains Steven Pienaar, Phil Jagielka, Bryan Oviedo and Arouna Kone.

Verdict

It will be extremely difficult for Sunderland to produce a good showing against high-flying Everton following such a poor run of results and knowing that anything but a win would virtually end their survival hopes. Such a situation should prove perfect for the Toffees, who will be looking to keep things tight at the back and profit from lethal counterattacks.

Top pick: Away win   1.80 (4/5) @ Betfred

Alternative pick 1: Under 2.5 goals   1.95 (19/20) @ bet365

Alternative pick 2: Everton to win to nil   3.12 (53/25) @ BetVictor