Sunderland V Everton Preview

Posted Monday, November 22, 2010 by Vitalfootball.co.uk

Sunderland could not have asked for a better recovery after the derby day demolition. 7 points from a possible 9 and victory over the current champions Chelsea on their own ground!

Sunderland will be flying with confidence after a good week for international players also.

Everton have lost their last game but do enjoy playing against SAFC as they are currently 12 games unbeaten against us.

Bruce will be looking for more home comforts as Sunderland prepare to face four games after this that are all potentially winnable.

Vital Quotes: Steve Bruce
'Apart from the Newcastle debacle, we have been playing very well,' said Bruce.

'That's the top seven we have played against and been undefeated.

'We have played very well against Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United, Arsenal, without maybe that cutting edge.

'On Sunday, we had that cutting edge where every time we went forward, we looked a threat.

'To have 18 attempts on Chelsea's goal is remarkable, to say the least. I think I had 18 attempts in 10 years.

'It was a wonderful performance - but its history and we must look forward to the next game now.

'It was good for everybody concerned and we have hit standards we hope we can keep setting.'

'To get seven points from nine from Stoke, Spurs and Chelsea and to play with such energy was terrific to see,' he added.

'It will repair a bit of damage from Newcastle. It goes to show how crazy football is.

'Two weeks ago, we were hung, drawn and quartered, and rightly so.

'But the one thing we were wanting from everybody - and a big pat on the back for the people who work with me - we needed to have a response.

'We were all doom and gloom for two or three days, and we looked at Stoke at home, Tottenham away and Chelsea away as pretty daunting.

'To come out of it the way we have has been terrific. We live to fight another day.'

Sunderland Team News:
Sunderland will have top goal scorer Bent back from a hamstring injury after missing three games.

Welbeck is also fit after being pulled out of the England U21 squad this week.

Sunderland will still be without Mensah due to a shoulder problem.

Player to watch: Welbeck
After an amazing run of games against Spurs and Chelsea, Welbeck has come into his own with SAFC.

He won MOM against the champions and will be looking to continue his form against Everton this Monday.

Everton Team News:
Everton have a fully fit squad apart from Fellaini who serves a 3 match suspension.

Player to watch: Cahill
The man who knocked Sunderland out of Europe as we played Milwall in the FA Cup semi-final.

Always scores against Sunderland and not popular at all amongst the Mackems.

Let's hope he fails to impress as Sunderland look to stay in the top half of the league.

Match Facts & Stats
Everton are winless in their last three outings.

The Black Cats have kept clean sheets in their last three home matches.

Ref Watch:
Referee: Peter Walton Assistant referees: Scott Ledger & Dean Mohareb Fourth official: Phil Dowd

Match Prediction:
Sunderland 1 - 0 Everton Sunderland are flying with confidence and we almost have a fully fit squad. It will all depend on the team and formation but with Bent and Gyan starting together against an average Everton team this season I can see another victory at home.