Everton face a critical home fixture with a makeshift lineup. The absence of key players like Jarrad Branthwaite, Michael Keane, and Idrissa Gueye severely hampers their defensive and midfield structure.
Sunderland travel to Merseyside with a relatively stronger squad, despite missing several players to international duty. The experience of Granit Xhaka in midfield and the goal threat of Brian Brobbey upfront could be decisive.
This match pits a heavily depleted Everton side against a Sunderland team eager to exploit their weaknesses. The outcome could hinge on whether Everton's remaining players can overcome their disadvantages against Sunderland's organised approach.
Our AI Predictions for the Match Between Everton and Sunderland
To provide the most reliable insights, we have collated match predictions from three leading AI models: ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini. Each model offers a clear prediction on the outcome, presented as a simple bullet point. You can also see their official logos, making it clear which AI made each call. For those wanting to delve deeper, clicking on a prediction will expand to reveal the reasoning, showing how the AI reached its conclusion based on data, form, and key match statistics.
BTTS offers clear value given Everton’s weakened defence and Sunderland’s capable attack. Everton’s defensive issues and suspensions, combined with Sunderland’s goal threat, increase the likelihood of both teams scoring. The head-to-head and current form support a net for both sides.
Claude prioritises markets that favour Sunderland’s superior squad availability. Everton’s defensive crisis—with Keane suspended and Branthwaite injured—undermines their home advantage. Sunderland’s midfield quality through Xhaka and Geertruida, combined with Brobbey’s attacking threat, makes the Double Chance on the visitors logical.
Gemini prioritises the Over/Under market given Everton’s severely weakened defence and Sunderland’s potent attacking options. The home side’s need to score, combined with their defensive vulnerabilities, points towards a match with more than 2.5 goals.
Why we chose the prediction we did from the options that were available to us?
Both Teams to Score (BTTS) is a strong tip for this fixture due to both teams’ attacking and defensive vulnerabilities. Everton, with players like Armstrong and Barry, have scored 22 goals this season but have conceded 24, with defensive issues exacerbated by Keane’s suspension and Dewsbury-Hall’s uncertainty. Sunderland, led by Brobby and Le Fee, have been inconsistent but have scored in 50% of their away matches, capitalising on Everton’s defensive lapses. Both teams struggle with possession and defending counter-attacks, creating opportunities for goals. Everton’s 50% conceding rate and Sunderland’s scoring record on the road make BTTS a promising bet.
Value Bets from Our Algorithm
Our value bets are identified by an algorithm that analyses key football data points and compares them against market odds. It goes beyond simple win-loss outcomes, weighing factors like recent form, head-to-head records, expected goals (xG), and significant team news like injuries and suspensions. This data-driven approach highlights bets that may offer superior value.
Everton’s extensive list of unavailable key players makes it highly unlikely they will secure a win, giving strong value to the double chance.
Player Focus Bets
Based on recent form and historical data, our top picks for the Anytime Goalscorer market in this match between Everton and Sunderland:
Thierno Barry is a player worth considering in the anytime scorer market due to his recent performances and consistent involvement in Everton’s attack. With 3 goals from 15 starts in the Premier League, Barry has shown a solid scoring rate, averaging 0.2 goals per game. While his assist numbers are limited, his 60% shot accuracy (3.4 shots per game) indicates a strong ability to get into goal-scoring positions.(Everton)
Brian Brobbey is an excellent option to consider in the anytime scorer market for this fixture. The 23-year-old forward has scored 3 goals in 16 appearances for Sunderland across all competitions, with 3 goals from 7 Premier League starts. His 66.7% shot accuracy rate and 0.9 shots per game highlight his ability to create and take opportunities in front of goal. (Sunderland)
Odds Boosts, Free Bets & Specials for Everton vs Sunderland
At BestBettingSites.co.uk, we’re always on the lookout for ways that punters can squeeze a little extra value out of their football bets. Find the latest offers below.
07 Jan 2026 –
Premier LeagueBrentford3 : 0Sunderland
04 Jan 2026 –
Premier LeagueTottenham Hotspur1 : 1Sunderland
01 Jan 2026 –
Premier LeagueSunderland0 : 0Manchester City
28 Dec 2025 –
Premier LeagueSunderland1 : 1Leeds United
20 Dec 2025 –
Premier LeagueBrighton & Hove Albion0 : 0Sunderland
14 Dec 2025 –
Premier LeagueSunderland1 : 0Newcastle United
WINS2
DRAW4
LOSSES0
Average Stats (Last 7 Matches)
14 Total goals
57% BTTS
8 Goals scored
6 Goals conceded
29% Over 2.5
57% Under 2.5
01 Jan 2026 –
Premier LeagueSunderland0 : 0Manchester City
28 Dec 2025 –
Premier LeagueSunderland1 : 1Leeds United
14 Dec 2025 –
Premier LeagueSunderland1 : 0Newcastle United
29 Nov 2025 –
Premier LeagueSunderland3 : 2AFC Bournemouth
08 Nov 2025 –
Premier LeagueSunderland2 : 2Arsenal
03 Nov 2025 –
Premier LeagueSunderland1 : 1Everton
WINS0
DRAW3
LOSSES3
Average Stats (Last 7 Matches)
11 Total goals
29% BTTS
2 Goals scored
9 Goals conceded
29% Over 2.5
57% Under 2.5
07 Jan 2026 –
Premier LeagueBrentford3 : 0Sunderland
04 Jan 2026 –
Premier LeagueTottenham Hotspur1 : 1Sunderland
20 Dec 2025 –
Premier LeagueBrighton & Hove Albion0 : 0Sunderland
06 Dec 2025 –
Premier LeagueManchester City3 : 0Sunderland
03 Dec 2025 –
Premier LeagueLiverpool1 : 1Sunderland
22 Nov 2025 –
Premier LeagueFulham1 : 0Sunderland
Starting XI
4-2-3-1
Possible Lineup
22Robin Roefs
32Trai Hume
20Nordi Mukiele
15Omar Alderete
3Dennis Cirkin
6Lutsharel Geertruida
34Granit Xhaka
12Eliezer Mayenda
28Enzo Le Fée
24Simon Adingra
9Brian Brobbey
Substitutes
1Anthony Patterson
5Dan Ballard
13Luke O'Nien
33Leo Hjelde
4Dan Neil
11Chris Rigg
46Abdoullah Ba
14Romaine Mundle
36Ian Poveda
Suspension
None reported
Injured
1Aji Alese Shoulder injury
2Wilson Isidor Knock
3Habib Diarra National Selection
4Noah Sadiki National Selection
5Bertrand Traoré National Selection
6Chemsdine Talbi National Selection
7Reinildo Mandava National Selection
8Arthur Masuaku National Selection
Note: Official lineups are typically confirmed 60 minutes before kick-off. These predictions are based on the latest team news and recent selections.
Everton vs Sunderland Head-to-Head Record
03 Nov 2025 –
Premier LeagueSunderland1 : 1Everton
League Games at Sunderland
Everton
Sunderland
Goals: Scored11
Games: Scored1/11/1
Clean Sheets0/10/1
Current Best Betting Odds for Everton vs Sunderland
When it comes to betting on this FA Cup fixture, getting the best odds can make all the difference to your returns. Below, we’ve compared the top prices available from trusted betting sites for the upcoming clash between Everton and Sunderland.
For those looking beyond the obvious outcomes in their football betting predictions, we’ve highlighted a few long shot bets for the Everton vs Sunderland clash. These are higher-risk selections that carry a lower probability of success, but offer the potential for significantly greater odds.
Everton vs Sunderland Long-Shot Betting
Bet Type
Selection
Odds
Rationale
Long-Shot Bet 1
Over 5.5 Total Goals
16/1 (Ladbrokes)
Over 5.5 goals requires a high-scoring affair with at least 6 goals. Both sides' attacking intent and this fixture's history of entertainment make this worth consideration. At 16/1, the potential returns justify the risk.
Long-Shot Bet 2
Correct Score: 1-3
33/1 (Bet365)
This 1-3 scoreline predicting a Sunderland victory offers excellent long-shot value. With 4 total goals, it reflects an open, attacking contest. The odds provide substantial returns if both teams' recent scoring form translates into this specific outcome. At 33/1, the potential returns justify the risk.
Long-Shot Bet 3
Sunderland (-2)
22/1 (Bet365)
This handicap requires Sunderland to win by more than 2 goals. It's a bold prediction that rewards those expecting a dominant performance. At 22/1, the potential returns justify the risk.
Bet Builder Suggestions
If you really want to see a return, Bet Builders are a great way to combine different markets into one high-odds selection. These are risky, but when they land, the payout can be massive.
Here are some long-shot Bet Builder ideas for the Everton vs Sunderland clash:
Everton to Win + Over 2.5 Goals + Both Teams to Score (Combined odds: 15/2)
Sunderland to Score First + Everton to Win + Over 3.5 Goals (Combined odds: 11/1)
Draw at Half-Time + Everton to Win + BTTS (Combined odds: 14/1)
Quick Betting Angles
These Quick Betting Angles cut through the noise and turn stats into actionable insights for Everton vs Sunderland on 10 January 2026 at 12:15 PM.
Betting Angle (Both Teams to Score): Everton will be forced to field a weakened defence due to suspensions and injuries, making them vulnerable. Sunderland, with Brian Brobbey leading their line, are well-equipped to exploit these gaps. However, Everton typically find a way to score at home, making a goal for each side a strong possibility.
Betting Angle (Total Goals): Over 2.5 goals is highly anticipated. The mismatch created by Everton’s defensive crisis against Sunderland’s organised attack is expected to lead to an open and high-scoring contest.
Betting Angle (Home Advantage): Everton’s home advantage is substantially negated by the sheer number of key players missing through injury and suspension.
Match Information:
Competition: FA Cup
Stage: FA Cup
Kick-off: 10 January 2026 at 12:15 PM
Sport: Soccer
Where to Watch Everton vs Sunderland
TV channel:
The game will be broadcast on TNT Sports 5 in the UK.
Online streaming:
The game will be streamed on discovery+.
Free highlights:
Highlights will be available on official league channels, sports news platforms and The Emirates FA Cup YouTube channel shortly after full-time.
