Sunderland v Everton Preview

Match: Sunderland v Everton

Date: 20th April 2013

Time: 15:00

Competition: Premier League

Form: Sunderland - WLLDL Everton - DWDWW

Last Meeting: Everton 2-1 Sunderland - 10/11/12

This game I will be watching with more interest than any of the other games on Saturday. Paolo Di Canio got his side a fantastic win in the derby last week and seems to have installed new belief into his players, especially with many players out injured. Meanwhile Everton, fresh from a run that has seen them pick up 14 points from a possible 18, have hopes of a Champions League place. This season has just shown how Everton have worked wonders in recent years and if the wage cap had been introduced 5 years ago, they'd be in the top 4 more often than not. The spending power of the bigger clubs has seen them fall short of a top 4 place year after year since 2005, but they deserve praise for getting anywhere near European Football. Everton have drawn with Tottenham and Arsenal in their last 3 games (2-0 home win over QPR in between) and they are just 2 points off 4th, albeit with more games played. They could have done with an away win in one of those games, then they'd be in a great position.The away from has cost them for me, just 4 away wins, 4 defeats and 8 draws. They have to win here, at Anfield and at Stamford Bridge so it seems a huge ask for them. But they should be proud of what they've done so far and the key to winning this game is Victor Anichebe, he has great strength and is a good finisher and he can bully Sunderland's defence in this game. If he can stick close to O'Shea, he can target him and beat him in one-on-one battles. But obviously, we can't turn a blind eye to the in-form Mirallas. He will cause havoc down the wing and is just another great example of how far Belgian football is progressing.

I always believed Di Canio would do a good job for Sunderland, now and in the long-term. He fires his players up, motivates them very well and makes them believe they can go out and do a great job for the team. Against Newcastle, Sunderland were attack minded, yet dodgy at times. But that's to be expected, the manager has only had 2 games with the squad. Including this game, I can see Sunderland getting 7 points from now till the end of the season and they will stay up with that. Sessègnon was revitalised last week, got a goal and an assist and is the key from now until the end of the season if Graham doesn't pitch in. Graham though has spoken out of his admiration of Di Canio and it could be a sign that he may well be ready to start scoring. With just 4 home wins this season, Sunderland can admit that's where a huge problem is and it has to be addressed next season, this season would be a good start.

Should be a good, tight game. Sunderland have scored the 3rd lowest number of goals in the league at home, while Everton are dodgy away. Close, very close, 2-1.