Everton return to Premier League action on Monday night, as David Moyes travels to take on Sunderland at the Stadium of Light.
Everton’s 3-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur last weekend served as a huge disappointment.
Spurs were not all that much better in open play, but scored twice from set pieces to leave David Moyes’ side chasing the game.
That was Everton’s first Premier League defeat at Hill Dickinson Stadium, and the first case of back-to-back defeats this season.
Moyes and co must now respond away at Sunderland on Monday night, but this will be another tough test.
Chris Sutton shares Beto prediction ahead of Sunderland v Everton
Sunderland have been outstanding since returning to the Premier League and sit fourth in the table.
The Black Cats beat Chelsea away from home last weekend and are now looking for another big win.
Pundit Chris Sutton has now shared his prediction ahead of the game, telling BBC Sport that he is backing Everton to claim a 1-1 draw.
Sutton questioned Everton’s home ‘fortress’ and can’t imagine a win at the Stadium of Light, but thinks under-fire striker Beto will score against the Black Cats.
“I am torn here. I am always wrong about Sunderland and I know that means I have got a large fanbase on Wearside,” said Sutton.
“Because of that, I don’t want to jinx the Black Cats by saying they will win… but it is also hard to make a case for Everton getting anything.
“My 606 co-host Roman Kemp said their Hill-Dickinson Stadium will be a fortress for them this season, but Tottenham didn’t have too much trouble there last Sunday with a 3-0 win.
“David Moyes’ side really need to respond after that defeat, but what he needs more than anything as he goes back to one of his former clubs is a finisher.
“Beto misses so many chances, but I am backing him to put his boots on the right feet this week and score to grab his side a point,” he added.
Beto needs to find goals sooner rather than later
Beto has been heavily criticised this season, having failed to offer much of a goal threat in Everton’s attack.
The 27-year-old has scored just once in nine Premier League outings this season, and that goal came against Wolverhampton Wanderers in August.
It’s now two months since Beto scored a Premier League goal, and he hasn’t looked particularly close to ending that drought of late.
James Tarkowski is backing Beto for goals, but the Guinea-Bissau forward will lose his place in Everton’s attack if he isn’t careful.
Everton may even need to sign another striker come January, so Beto needs to score soon – or he could find himself being replaced.
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