Five-time winners Everton host Premier League rivals Sunderland at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday in an all-top-flight FA Cup third-round tie.
Notably, this marks the first encounter between these two sides in this tournament in over a decade. While the Toffees boast a rich history here, manager David Moyes faces a mounting availability crisis. Consequently, he must navigate a depleted squad against his former club in this high-stakes clash.
The Toffees enter this tie reeling from a chaotic 1-1 midweek draw against Wolves. That match ended in disarray, with the hosts reduced to just nine men. Sunderland also need a response after a heavy 3-0 defeat to Brentford. That loss extended their winless run to five matches, stalling their season. This all-Premier League tie promises a physical battle for a fourth-round spot.
Everton vs Sunderland – Match Preview and Team News
Date: Saturday, 10 January 2026
Kick-off: 12:15 PM GMT
Venue: Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool
Referee: John Brooks
Last Meeting: Sunderland 1–1 Everton, 3 November 2025, Premier League
Team News
Everton
The Toffees are severely depleted by a combination of disciplinary issues and injuries. Michael Keane begins a three-match ban following his straight red card against Wolves. Jack Grealish is also suspended after receiving a second yellow in the same fixture. They join a casualty list including Seamus Coleman, Jarrad Branthwaite, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall. Carlos Alcaraz remains sidelined, while Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gueye are away at AFCON.
Sunderland
The Black Cats could see some AFCON stars return, as Reinildo Mandava, Noah Sadiki, Arthur Masuaku, and Bertrand Traoré were eliminated from the tournament this week, though their availability remains uncertain. Habib Diarra and Chemsdine Talbi are still active in Morocco and will miss the trip to Merseyside. Striker Wilson Isidor faces a late fitness test after missing recent games with a knock, while Aji Alese continues his recovery from a long-term shoulder injury.
Form
Everton
Everton are currently winless in their last three matches at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, including recent setbacks against Brentford and Wolves. However, they have historically dominated Sunderland in this competition, having eliminated them eight times—more than any other opponent except Sheffield Wednesday. Moyes will be concerned by his recent cup record, having been eliminated in eight of his last ten FA Cup ties when facing Premier League opposition.
Sunderland
Sunderland arrive in Liverpool on a five-match winless run, during which they have struggled for attacking fluency, scoring only twice in that period. Despite this slump, their overall defensive record remains impressive; they have conceded the third-fewest goals in the Premier League this season. Notably, the Black Cats have historically found the trip to Everton difficult, winning only two of their last 19 away fixtures against the Toffees in all competitions.
