Another crunch fixture awaits Sunderland as they take on Everton at the Stadium of Light in a bid to drag themselves further away from relegation from the Premier League.

The Black Cats are now three points above the drop due to a crucial 3-0 win over arch rivals Newcastle United at St James' Park last weekend.

While Sunderland are desperate for survival, Everton are focusing on the other end of the table with a place in next season's Champions League in mind.

The Toffees have been vying for a top-four spot throughout the campaign, but their hopes were dashed slightly when they failed to break the deadlock in a goalless draw with Arsenal.

New Sunderland boss Paolo Di Canio can record a victory over Everton this season, which his predecessor Martin O'Neill failed to do in November, when they succumbed to a 2-1 defeat at Goodison Park.

Danny Graham could keep his spot up top for the home side, while Ross Barkley's form on Tuesday night could ensure another starting spot in the Everton team this weekend.

Recent form

Sunderland: WLLDL

Everton: DWDWW

Possible starting lineups

Sunderland: Mignolet; O'Shea, Rose, Cuellar, Johnson; N'Diaye, Larsson, McClean, Bardsley; Sessegnon, Graham

Everton: Howard; Coleman, Jagielka, Distin, Baines; Pienaar, Gibson, Barkley, Fellaini; Mirallas, Anichebe

Sports Mole says: 1-2

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