Paul Merson has predicted the score for when Everton face Sunderland and even he can’t believe what he’s gone for.
David Moyes’ side are up against Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Monday night in what’s set to be a vociferous atmosphere.
It will be Moyes’ first game back at Sunderland since resigning as manager following their relegation in 2017.
Everton are actually fancied to beat Sunderland by Opta’s supercomputer, which is surprising given the Black Cats are flying high in the top four.
Former Arsenal playmaker Paul Merson has now had his say and given his prediction.
Paul Merson.
Photo by James Gill – Danehouse/Getty Images
Paul Merson makes bold Everton vs Sunderland prediction
Writing in his Sportskeeda column, Merson explained that an Everton side in top form have every chance of beating Sunderland, but recent results have concerned him.
The hosts have all the momentum at the moment, as they head into this game off the back of a 2-1 win against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
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“This is a tough game for Everton. I was impressed by Sunderland during their win over Chelsea,” Merson said. “I thought that was a great all-round performance. Sunderland defended well, broke with pace and found the right passes to hurt Chelsea. It has been nothing short of an incredible return to the Premier League for them.
“Everton haven’t been great away from home. I can’t believe what I’m about to predict here but I’m still going to do it. Sunderland to win this! I know this is a game that can come back to haunt me because at some point, Sunderland will start losing games. If that happens this weekend, then you look at this prediction and think, ‘why did he even back Sunderland against the quality Everton have in attack?’
“If Everton play to the best of their abilities, there’s a chance. But purely based on form and how Sunderland beat Chelsea, I’m going to back them.”
Merson predicted: Sunderland 2-1 Everton
Mark Clattenburg and Graeme Bailey predict Everton vs Sunderland
Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg and journalist Graeme Bailey have also given their predictions for the Stadium of Light clash.
“Will be a tight game in which Jordan Pickford will return in his first match at the Stadium of Light since his transfer,” Clattenburg told TBR Football.
Clattenburg predicted: Sunderland 1-1 Everton
Bailey added: “Two solid teams, I think if anyone wins this, it’s Sunderland, but I’m backing David Moyes to return to Sunderland and claim a point.”
Bailey predicted: Sunderland 0-0 Everton
The last time these two sides met, Everton ran away 3-0 victors in the third round of the League Cup back in September 2017.
A lot has changed since then, and many would argue that Sunderland are actually the favourites. They’ve yet to concede defeat at home this season.