Everton starting XI vs Sunderland as David Moyes hands out rare starts in quadruple change

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Everton return to the Hill Dickinson Stadium for the third time in the space of a week for a clash against Sunderland.

The game will mark history on Merseyside as the Hill Dickinson Stadium will be hosting an FA Cup game for the very first time.

It is the final opportunity at silverware for Everton this season having been eliminated early on in the Carabao Cup.

David Moyes will be keen to secure Everton’s first win of 2026 against his former club following a shaky start to the New Year.

On the back of the draw against Wolves, Everton have seen Michael Keane’s red card appeal dismissed, which will force change to his starting XI.

With that being said, here is your Everton starting XI to face Sunderland, let us know on TalkingPoints what you make of the 62-year-old’s selection.

Lots of changes made, how confident are you of a win after seeing the starting XI? 🏆

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Defensive changes enforced after Michael Keane red card

Keane will now miss Everton’s next three games, with the ban covering today’s FA Cup clash against the Black Cats.

Jake O’Brien replaces him in the middle alongside James Tarkowski following their excellent display together in the last victory for Everton against Nottingham Forest.

How far are you expecting Everton to go in this year’s FA Cup? 🫣

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Both O’Brien and Tarkowski were hailed for their display against Forest and it will have surprised some to see that partnership broken up since.

The other change enforced in defence sees Nathan Patterson return at right-back due to O’Brien’s switch into the central position.

Patterson has been linked with a move to Spain over recent days as he is struggling for regular game time on Merseyside.

• READ MORE: Everton officials intervene after AC Milan recently watched David Moyes favourite

Beto makes rare start instead of Thierno Barry

Both Thierno Barry and Beto got on the scoresheet in the game against Brentford last weekend, but neither have shown any consistency.

During his Q&A session with Everton News on TalkingPoints, Alan Myers admitted Everton may listen to offers for Beto in January.

However, they would need a replacement first for the striker, who now has an opportunity to make an impact from the starting XI.

A goal against the Mackems may not do much for his long-term future on Merseyside, but it goes to show that Barry still has not nailed down the starting spot up top.