The Stadium of Light is set to host a captivating Premier League encounter tonight, November 3, 2025, as a resurgent Sunderland welcome Everton. This fixture, steeped in history, sees the Black Cats back in the top flight after their triumphant promotion last season, ready to test their mettle against an Everton side under the familiar guidance of David Moyes. The air on Wearside will be thick with anticipation as both teams vie for crucial points in what promises to be an intriguing tactical battle. Can Sunderland continue their impressive start to life in the Premier League, or will Everton’s experience prove decisive on the road?
Head-to-Head
The historical rivalry between Sunderland and Everton is extensive, with the two clubs having met on 184 occasions since their first clash in the 1890-91 First Division. Everton holds a slight advantage in the overall record, boasting 83 victories to Sunderland’s 71, with 30 matches ending in a draw.
Recent history, however, has seen Everton dominate the fixture. The last five meetings, all occurring between 2015 and 2017 before Sunderland’s previous relegation, favored the Toffees:
- September 20, 2017: Everton 3-0 Sunderland (EFL Cup)
- February 25, 2017: Everton 2-0 Sunderland (Premier League)
- September 12, 2016: Sunderland 0-3 Everton (Premier League)
- May 11, 2016: Sunderland 3-0 Everton (Premier League)
- November 1, 2015: Everton 6-2 Sunderland (Premier League)
Notable outcomes in this fixture include Everton’s resounding 6-2 victory in November 2015 and a 7-1 thrashing in 2007. Historically, Sunderland once delivered a 7-0 defeat to Everton on Boxing Day in 1934.
Current Form & Team News
Sunderland
Sunderland enter this match in formidable form, riding high from their promotion to the Premier League for the 2025-26 season after winning the Championship play-offs in 2024-25. Their recent Premier League performances suggest a team adapting well to the top flight under manager Régis Le Bris. In their last five Premier League outings, Sunderland have secured three wins, one draw, and one loss, demonstrating a strong start to the season.
- October 25, 2025: Chelsea 1-2 Sunderland (W)
- October 18, 2025: Sunderland 2-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers (W)
- October 4, 2025: Manchester United 2-0 Sunderland (L)
- September 27, 2025: Nottingham Forest 0-1 Sunderland (W)
- September 21, 2025: Sunderland 1-1 Aston Villa (D)
Team news for Sunderland is mixed. While key midfielder Habib Diarra is a long-term absentee, sidelined until at least December or January 2026 following groin surgery in late September 2025, there’s positive news elsewhere. Manager Régis Le Bris has confirmed that Noah Sadiki, who had been dealing with an ankle issue, and Omar Alderete, recovering from international travel fatigue, have returned to training and could feature against Everton. Wilson Isidor has emerged as a key attacking threat and is currently the Black Cats’ top goalscorer.
Everton
Everton, managed by David Moyes, finished 13th in the Premier League in the 2024-25 season and currently find themselves in a challenging patch of form. Their last five Premier League matches have seen them register one win, one draw, and three losses.
- October 26, 2025: Everton 0-3 Tottenham Hotspur (L)
- October 18, 2025: Manchester City 2-0 Everton (L)
- October 5, 2025: Everton 2-1 Crystal Palace (W)
- September 29, 2025: Everton 1-1 West Ham United (D)
- September 20, 2025: Liverpool 2-1 Everton (L)
On the injury front, Everton has faced its share of concerns. Defender Vitalii Mykolenko sustained an ankle injury earlier in the season, though reports in April 2025 suggested he wouldn’t require surgery. His availability for this match might be a game-time decision. Striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin and midfielder Orel Mangala also had injury concerns earlier in 2025. Iliman Ndiaye was Everton’s top scorer in the 2024-25 season and will be looked upon for goals.
Tactical Preview
Sunderland, playing at the Stadium of Light, are likely to employ a dynamic approach, capitalizing on their recent momentum and the fervent home support. Under Régis Le Bris, they could adopt a fluid 4-3-3 or a 4-2-3-1 formation, focusing on quick transitions and utilizing the pace of players like Wilson Isidor up front and potentially the returning Noah Sadiki in midfield to drive attacks. The absence of Habib Diarra will test their midfield depth, placing more creative burden on players like Granit Xhaka, if he features, and Daniel Neil. Sunderland’s defensive solidity at home, as indicated by their two recent clean sheets, will be crucial.
Everton, under David Moyes, typically favour a more disciplined and organized structure, often lining up in a 4-4-2 or 4-2-3-1 formation. They will likely aim to frustrate Sunderland’s attacking flow and exploit any defensive vulnerabilities on the counter-attack, possibly leveraging the aerial prowess of their forwards and the delivery from wide areas. The midfield battle will be pivotal, with Everton needing to disrupt Sunderland’s rhythm and win second balls. If Mykolenko is fit, his return would solidify their left flank. The match is expected to be a tight affair, with both teams showing a trend towards lower-scoring games historically and in recent form.
As this is an evening match in early November in England, the weather conditions are likely to be cool and potentially wet, which could influence the tempo and physicality of the game. The Stadium of Light pitch is usually in excellent condition, mitigating any concerns about playing surface. Travel fatigue is unlikely to be a significant factor for either team given they are both based in England.
