Monday Night Football sees newly promoted Sunderland welcome Everton to the Stadium of Light in what promises to be a fascinating clash between one of the league’s surprise packages and a side still trying to find its feet. The Black Cats have made a superb start to life back in the top flight, while David Moyes returns to the North East looking to steady a Toffees outfit that has slipped down the table. Here are my thoughts along with a suggested bet.
Looking at the outright Premier League market ahead of Monday’s game, Arsenal remain firm favourites at 1/2 to lift the title, with Manchester City (9/2) and Liverpool (13/2) their nearest challengers. Chelsea are priced at 33/1, with Manchester United slightly further back at 40/1, while the rest of the field are available at 150/1 or longer.
Click here for English Premier League Outright Betting
Last Leg Bad Luck!
Scratched/Voided markets do not count towards Leg count.
Pre-match bets only.
Free Bets do not count towards this offer.
Refund must be claimed within 24 hours of the game finishing.
Free Bet vouchers received must be used within 7 days.
Max refund per account per day in Free Bets:
Free Bets terms and conditions apply.
Simply email promotions@wsb.co.za with Subject ‘Last Leg Promo or, present your ticket to your branch manager within 24 hours of the game finishing.
SUNDERLAND v EVERTON – Click here to bet
Sunderland enter Monday night’s clash sitting seventh in the table but could climb as high as second with a win. Back in the Premier League for the first time since 2016/17, the Black Cats have been one of the stories of the season so far. Régis Le Bris’ side have taken 17 points from their opening nine games, built on a solid defensive foundation that has seen them concede just seven goals. The Frenchman’s bold summer overhaul, which brought in no fewer than 15 new signings, has paid off handsomely. Unbeaten at the Stadium of Light (W3 D1) and having shipped only two goals on home soil, their recent 2-1 victory at Chelsea only reinforced the belief that Sunderland truly belongs at this level.
Le Bris’ approach has been pragmatic yet effective. Sunderland rank among the league’s lowest in terms of possession but are one of the best at turning limited chances into goals. Their ability to stay compact, frustrate opponents, and strike on the break has been key, especially in home games, where the crowd’s energy has carried them through tight moments. The challenge now is consistency, proving they can grind out results against established Premier League sides when expectations are higher.
Everton, meanwhile, arrive in the North East in need of a response. Their 3-0 defeat to Tottenham last time out made it back-to-back league losses and six games on the bounce without a clean sheet, once again highlighting the defensive frailties that continue to haunt David Moyes’ team. The Toffees have taken just one win from their last seven in all competitions and sit 15th in the standings, only four points clear of the drop zone. Away from home, they’ve lost three of four matches, their only victory coming at Wolves back in August.
This fixture also carries personal significance for Moyes, who returns to the Stadium of Light for the first time since his ill-fated spell as Sunderland manager in 2016/17. He resigned following the club’s relegation after a campaign that yielded just six wins from 38 matches, a period many Black Cats fans still remember with frustration. That history adds extra spice to Monday’s encounter, and it will be fascinating to see how the home crowd receive him as he leads his Everton side back to Wearside.
Head-to-Head
These sides last met in the Premier League during the 2016/17 season, when Everton won both fixtures. Historically, the Toffees have had the upper hand, unbeaten in four of their last five meetings against Sunderland in all competitions (W4 L1).
Betting
Sunderland 7/4
Draw 43/20
Everton 7/4
Verdict
It’s difficult to oppose Sunderland at the moment. They’re organised, confident, and playing with the kind of belief that newly promoted sides rarely ride into the winter months. The Black Cats have scored in every home league game so far, and with Everton conceding in all of their away fixtures, the hosts should fancy their chances of finding the net again here. Everton have the experience and physicality to make this awkward, but it’s hard to see them keeping a clean sheet and walking away with all three points.
Suggested Bet: Sunderland to win or Draw (Double Chance) + Sunderland over 0.5 goals at 7/10 – Bet Builder
Click here for all the weekend’s English Football action
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
