Everton vs Sunderland FA Cup Preview and Prediction
FA Cup 1/32 Finals
Match date: January 10, 2026
Kick-off time: 15:00 (UK local time)
Venue: Goodison Park
Match Background and Form Guide
Everton had a relatively stable campaign last season under Sean Dyche, but midway through the season, new investors opted to bring David Moyes back to the club. Under Moyes, Everton eventually finished 13th. This season, the Toffees have shown flashes of ambition, occasionally pushing toward the European places before costly slip-ups drag them back into mid-table territory.
Recently, Everton managed a solid win over Brentford, followed by a disappointing 1-1 draw against Wolverhampton, currently the league’s bottom side. Consistency remains their biggest challenge.
Sunderland, on the other hand, are enjoying an impressive return to top-flight football. In Régis Le Bris’s first season in England, they secured promotion via the Championship playoffs and have carried that momentum into the Premier League. The Black Cats are currently genuine contenders for a European spot and have already earned eye-catching draws against Manchester City and Tottenham in January.
However, their shocking 0-3 defeat to Brentford served as a reminder that adaptation to the elite level is still ongoing.
Domestic Cup Performance This Season
Everton’s League Cup journey was short-lived. After a comfortable win over Mansfield, they were surprisingly eliminated by Wolverhampton.
Sunderland fared even worse in the same competition. They failed to get past Huddersfield, drawing 1-1 before losing in a penalty shootout. This FA Cup tie therefore represents an important opportunity for both teams to redeem themselves in domestic cup competitions.
Everton vs Sunderland Key Stats and Trends
Everton are unbeaten in three of their last four matches
Everton average 1.1 goals scored and 1.19 goals conceded per match
38% of Everton’s matches see both teams score, with an average of 2.29 total goals per game
Sunderland have lost only once in their last fourteen matches
Sunderland average 1.0 goals scored and 1.05 goals conceded per match
43% of Sunderland’s matches feature goals from both sides, with an average of 2.05 total goals per game
Possible Starting Lineups
Everton probable lineup
Pickford
Mykolenko, Keane, Tarkowski, O’Brien
Garner, Gueye
Grealish, Dewsbury-Hall, Ndiaye
Barry
Sunderland probable lineup
Ruhs
Geertruida, Ballard, Mukiele
Reinildo, Sadiki, G. Xhaka, Hume
Le Fée, Isidor, Traore
Head-to-Head History
Everton won three consecutive meetings against Sunderland in the past. However, after an eight-year gap between encounters, their most recent clash in November ended in a 1-1 draw, suggesting the gap between the two sides has narrowed significantly.
Odds Analysis and Betting Market Overview
Betting Option | Average Odds | Implied Probability |
|---|---|---|
Everton win | 2.05 | 48.8% |
Draw | 3.30 | 30.3% |
Sunderland win | 3.80 | 26.3% |
Sunderland double chance (win or draw) | 1.80 | 55.6% |
Both teams to score | 1.95 | 51.3% |
From a betting perspective, Sunderland appear slightly undervalued. Their recent consistency, combined with Everton’s tendency to drop points at home, makes the double chance market particularly appealing.
Free Prediction for Everton vs Sunderland
Sunderland’s current form and resilience against top opposition suggest they are capable of avoiding defeat at Goodison Park. Everton remain competitive but lack the consistency to fully dominate strong, well-organized opponents.
Prediction: Sunderland double chance (win or draw)
Recommended odds: 1.80
