Sunderland V Everton at Stadium of Light : Match Preview

10 May 2016 16:34
Sunderland V Everton - view commentary, squad, and statistics of the game live.


Sam Allardyce admits overwhelming emotion will be relief if Sunderland stay up

Sam Allardyce has admitted his overwhelming emotion will be relief rather than celebration if Sunderland secure their Barclays Premier League status on Wednesday evening.

Victory over faltering Everton at the Stadium of Light would ensure the Black Cats' continued presence in the top flight after a fourth successive late escape, something which was far from certain before Saturday's fine 3-2 win over Chelsea.

However, while manager Allardyce insists his players would deserve to celebrate, his response would be more low key.

The 61-year-old said: "I think it will be a big celebration for the players - and I think they should go out and celebrate as well if they can do it.

"But for me, it would be a huge relief to have achieved it in what's been a very, very difficult season for us all. We have managed to put the club in a position to try to build from where we are."

Sunderland defender Lamine Kone is fit to face Everton.

Kone was replaced during the second half of Saturday's 3-2 victory over Chelsea after suffering a thigh problem, but he has recovered and is expected to be available as the Black Cats attempt to secure the win which will secure their top-flight status.

Full-back Billy Jones, who did not make the 18 at the weekend because of a hip injury, remains a doubt, but Allardyce otherwise has a full squad from which to select.

Roberto Martinez is expecting a positive reaction from his Everton players.

Having at last had a positive result to cheer with victory over Bournemouth, Everton's season hit a new low when they were totally outplayed in a 3-1 loss to new champions Leicester on Saturday.

Martinez said: "The reaction has been clear since the final whistle and we all have a strong desire to get back to our best level and tomorrow is the opportunity we have to show that."

"It's a huge, huge game - not just because of what Sunderland are playing for.

"I think the integrity of the Premier League has always been the strongest of any league that you're going to see in Europe, and from our point of view it's about reacting from our performance against Leicester. Nothing else.

"There's no need for any bigger assurance than we're all fighting and we'll all have to react tomorrow."

Everton welcome back Ramiro Funes Mori from suspension and could also have Gareth Barry available after a groin injury.

But the Toffees remain short in defence with Phil Jagielka, Seamus Coleman (both hamstring) and Tony Hibbert (ankle) out along with Gerard Deulofeu (knee).




Source: PAR