Sunderland go into this game knowing that a win will guarantee them safety at the expense of local rivals Newcastle United as well as Norwich City. Sunderland have used their tried and tested method from the last few seasons; bring a new manager in for the last half of the season and go on a great run. The experienced Sam Allardyce is the latest in this line of succession and probably has the best chance that any manager will of staying around for a while longer.
A large part of Sunderland’s recovery is down to Jermain Defoe. The former Tottenham striker’s goals have kept the Black Cats alive this season and Allardyce has nudged England manager Roy Hodgson to include the forward in his Euro 2016 squad.
Everton are a team in bad form and a terrible defensive record, one which Defoe should exploit. Their manager Roberto Martinez is staring down the barrel and fighting to save his job. However, I cannot imagine Sam Allardyce allowing his players to miss the opportunity that this match presents to save themselves from relegation.