Can Everton Wrest Control Back in a Strained FA Cup Clash With Sunderland?
đźš‘ Current Injury & Availability Updates
| Everton FC Injuries / Absences |
|---|
| Long-Term / IR | Jarrad Branthwaite | Hamstring rehabilitation (ongoing) |
| Long-Term / IR | Seamus Coleman | Fitness issue, out this weekend |
| Out / Ruled Out | Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall | Muscle injury |
| Out / Ruled Out | Carlos Alcaraz | Fitness issue |
| Questionable | Nathan Patterson | Foot / groin recovery |
| Sunderland AFC Injuries / Absences |
|---|
| Out / Ruled Out | Aji Alese | Shoulder injury |
| Questionable | Wilson Isidor | Muscular issue (training involvement uncertain) |
đź“‹ Official Named Squads & Tactical Roles
| Everton FC Likely XI |
|---|
| Goalkeeper | Jordan Pickford | Shot-stopper, vital distribution |
| Defence | Jake O’Brien | Centre-back |
| Midfield | James Garner | Box-to-box engine |
| Sunderland AFC Likely XI |
|---|
| Goalkeeper | Robin Roefs | Starting between sticks |
| Defence | Trai Hume | Full-back/wing presence |
| Midfield | Granit Xhaka | Experienced pivot |
Everton’s squad exhaustion has been a recurring theme this season, amplified by a congested schedule and a raft of absences that extend beyond just knock-on injuries — suspensions to Michael Keane and Jack Grealish amplify the selective pressure on Moyes’ midfield and centre-back options, forcing a blend of youth and pragmatism at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Sunderland’s planning is under its own strain too, with Aji Alese unavailable and Wilson Isidor’s match readiness unclear, prompting Regis Le Bris to balance cup ambition with league stability.
Tactically, Everton are likely to lean on a compact midfield shape that prioritises defensive balance while allowing quick transitions through wide runners — a necessity given the absence of several regular starters. Sunderland, meanwhile, favour a structured 4-2-3-1 block that can absorb pressure and launch forward through pace and diagonal switches, emphasizing their collective work rate over individual stars.
In build-up chatter, pundits and press have noted Everton’s recent inconsistent form and Sunderland’s tendency to settle into draws, setting up an intriguing FA Cup tie where momentum and tactical discipline may outweigh sheer attacking quality for both sides.
- Everton haven’t won many of their recent fixtures but remain formidable on home soil.
- Sunderland’s defensive organisation under Le Bris has garnered admiration, with draws showing grit even if goals have been scarce.
- With absentees and rotation likely, this FA Cup tie could hinge on set-pieces and midfield duels rather than end-to-end play.
Watch and Download Everton vs Sunderland full match replay and highlights, At Saturday, January 10, 2026. The match played at Hill Dickinson Stadium, in FA Cup, England.
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