Sunderland are expected to make just one change when they face Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium today, with Regis Le Bris leaning toward continuity after last week’s excellent display against Manchester United. Roefs is set to start in goal, while Geertruida is expected to keep his place after emerging as a surprise selection last week.
The defensive line is likely to stay intact, with Mukiele and Alderete continuing their partnership and Trai Hume keeping his place despite a mixed outing last time out. Ballard’s absence has narrowed the options, and that makes the back four easier to read than the rest of the team sheet.
Last weekend’s discussion around Nilson Angulo has not changed the broader picture. His arm across Bruno Fernandes’ face was the flashpoint that drew attention, but Sunderland’s staff now have a different sort of decision to make: whether they stick with a side that looked balanced against United or use the season’s last game to test another attacking edge.
That is where the midfield and forward line come into focus. The midfield three is said to pick itself, Talbi is expected to get another chance on the left, and Jimmy Ta Bi remains a wildcard option if Le Bris wants a different shape. Brobbey, who had another excellent game last weekend and was only lacking a goal, also gives Sunderland a direct threat up front that could matter if the match opens up.
Earlier in the season, Roefs produced penalty heroics at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, and Sunderland will be aware that today’s trip carries a different sort of weight. The club is treating the Everton match as its season finale, but it is also a chance for players to show Le Bris and Ghisolfi they should be part of next season’s plans. That gives the line-up a meaning beyond one last result.
David Moyes will be watching a Sunderland side that has looked capable of stretching opponents from the wings and steady enough at the back to survive pressure. With one change expected and several places effectively settled, the bigger question is not whether Sunderland can field a team. It is whether the team they field looks like the one they want to carry forward.
