Everton take on Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Monday, and here are three bold predictions for the clash.
David Moyes‘ side return to action tomorrow night in what’s set to be a vociferous atmosphere under the lights on Wearside.
Everton have struggled of late, having won just one of their last seven games across all competitions, so they’re under pressure to get a positive result.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 13 |  NewcastleNewcastle | 9 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 9 | 8 | 1 | 12 |
| 14 |  FulhamFulham | 10 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 12 | 14 | -2 | 11 |
| 15 |  EvertonEverton | 9 | 3 | 2 | 4 | 9 | 12 | -3 | 11 |
| 16 |  LeedsLeeds | 10 | 3 | 2 | 5 | 9 | 17 | -8 | 11 |
| 17 |  BurnleyBurnley | 10 | 3 | 1 | 6 | 12 | 19 | -7 | 10 |
Opta’s supercomputer has made Everton the favourites against Sunderland, which is pretty surprising given the hosts currently occupy sixth and have a game in hand.
Moyes could make some really bold changes to his starting line-up to freshen things up, and with that said, a summer signing will leave everyone stunned on his full debut.
Tyler Dibling gets assist off the bench
It’s been a challenging start to his Everton career, having only started one league game, but Moyes is insistent that he has a plan for Tyler Dibling.
“We like Tyler a lot, but he’s another one we’ll bring on in time,” the Everton boss explained in September.
“My first time here I had lots of players I brought in. We took a bit of time with them, we didn’t rush them. We’ll just have to accept we’ll bring Tyler on when we’re ready. I thought he kept the ball well and did some good things.”
Everton coaches believe Dibling should’ve been given more minutes after impressing in Finch Farm training, so he’ll likely be given more minutes off the bench on Monday.
The 19-year-old will get his first assist for the club, delivering a wicked left-footed cross for one of the forwards.
Merlin Rohl to produce a midfield masterclass
Merlin Rohl is still awaiting his full debut for Everton following his deadline day move from Bundesliga outfit Freiburg.
Rohl shone in his cameo appearance against Tottenham Hotspur last weekend and has been leaving a big impression around the training ground due to his phenomenal physical numbers.
Moyes will surely reward the 23-year-old with his first Premier League start against Sunderland, especially after Idrissa Gana Gueye’s sudden dip in form.
If the German does start, he will dominate the midfield and might even get on the scoresheet with a late arrival into the box.
It’ll be impossible to drop Rohl after his breakout performance at the Stadium of Light.
Idrissa Gana Gueye will be dropped
Everton fans reckon Idrissa Gana Gueye is in decline as they’ve been concerned by his performances this season.
Gueye has started all nine Premier League games so far, but for this one, he’ll be dropped for the first time.
The 36-year-old needs a rest, and Moyes will recognise that, so we could see Rohl partnered with James Garner in the midfield.
The Toffees need to plan for life without Gueye anyway, as he’ll be away at the Africa Cup of Nations from December 21st.
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