Overview
Everton, the team that owns 5 FA Cup titles and last won in 1995, has gone through enough levels in this arena over the years. They have had early elimination seasons, and also reached deep into the semi-finals, but have not returned to the final since 2009.
Nearly 17 years ago, Everton succumbed to Chelsea in the final. In the past two decades, they have stopped twice in the semi-finals and been eliminated four times in the quarter-finals. However, what is worrying is that in the last 3 seasons, The Toffees have not even passed the fourth round.
Another less positive sign lies in David Moyes' record of facing Premier League teams in the FA Cup. He was eliminated in 8/10 recent encounters with Premier League clubs in this tournament - statistics further make Everton's erratic performance context worrying.
In theory, the goal of competing for a European Cup spot in the Premier League is not impossible for the Merseyside representative. However, Moyes' team has only won 1/6 recent matches in the tournament. They just drew 1-1 with the bottom team Wolves and in the situation of only 9 people on the field, 1 point can also be considered an acceptable result.
However, that draw extended Everton's home winless streak to three. The home team at Hill Dickinson has only won one home match this season in the matches they conceded, while keeping a clean sheet in all 4 remaining victories.
Although their current form is still questionable, Everton still holds a historic advantage in the FA Cup when facing Sunderland. The Black Cats have won twice (1937, 1973), but since then only once reached the final - finishing second after Liverpool in 1992.
Since that milestone, Sunderland has gone through a journey of ups and downs with more pragmatic goals in the English football system. Currently, they are aiming to reach the 4th round for the second time in 11 seasons, after doing so in the 2022-2023 season before losing to Fulham.
However, the away team is also facing the risk of being eliminated in the third round for the third consecutive time, after defeats to Newcastle United (2023-2024) and Stoke City (2024-2025). If that happens, Sunderland will extend their FA Cup winning streak against teams in the same league to 8 consecutive matches.
In the Premier League, Regis Le Bris's team is also facing difficulties. Two efforts-rich draws against Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur are bright spots, but the heavy 0-3 defeat to Brentford has extended the winning streak to 5 matches. More broadly, Sunderland only has 2 wins in the last 12 matches.
Sunderland once drew 1-1 with Everton in the Premier League a few months ago. However, the history at the FA Cup leans completely towards Everton. The Toffees have eliminated the Black Cats 8 times - only Sheffield Wednesday is the victim of being eliminated more by Everton (10 times).
Personnel situation
Everton won 1 point against Wolves but had to pay a heavy price in terms of personnel. Michael Keane received a direct red card for snatching Tolu Arokodare's hair, before Jack Grealish was disqualified in an unacceptable way. He received a second yellow card for applauding in mockery of the referee.
Grealish will be suspended for one match this weekend, while Keane will begin a 3-match ban. Both will sit out with Seamus Coleman (strap injury), Jarrad Branthwaite (muscle injury), Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (muscle injury) and Carlos Alcaraz (undetermined injury).
On Sunderland's side, Reinildo Mandava, Noah Sadiki, Arthur Masuaku and Bertrand Traore have all been eliminated from AFCON this week. Mandava is likely to return as soon as possible, but the readiness of the remaining players is still uncertain.
Habib Diarra and Chemsdine Talbi are still in Morocco, while Aji Alese is recovering from a long-term shoulder injury. Wilson Isidor (light injury) will need a fitness test at the last minute.
Expected lineup:
Travers, Patterson, O'Brien, Tarkowski, Aznou, Rohl, Garner, Iroegbunam, Dibling, Beto, McNeil.
Patterson, Mukiele, Alderete, Ballard, Cirkin, Xhaka, Geertruida, Adingra, Le Fee, Mayenda, Brobbey.
The match between Everton and Sunderland takes place at 7:15 PM on January 10 (Vietnam time).
