Premier League: Sunderland v Everton

Sunderland can move as high as fifth on the English Premier League table if they can defeat Everton at the Stadium of Light on Monday.

In the 2000GMT kick-off, Steve Bruce’s side can extend their unbeaten streak to four and will hope to kick on from their terrific 3-0 win at Stamford Bridge in their last league game on November 14.

But they will face an Everton side who have impressed on their travels this season, unbeaten in four away from Goodison Park.

Bruce is hoping that leading scorer Darren Bent returns from a hamstring injury to partner the club’s record signing Asamoah Gyan, who has scored four goals in his last three Premier League games.

The goals from Bent and Gyan have lifted Sunderland to seventh and the surprise triumph at Chelsea was what they deserved after new England international Jordan Henderson starred again.

Despite their stunning win, Bruce is not getting carried away and is wary of any complacency.

“I keep stressing, we beat Arsenal then we were horrible against Wigan Athletic and Birmingham City,” Bruce said.

“We must make sure we try to follow up the win at Chelsea.”

Bruce admits that Sunderland’s coming five games are crucial, with Everton, Wolves, West Ham, Fulham and Bolton next on the agenda. Bruce thinks a good run can set Sunderland’s season up.

“We have got four or five games now which, for me, can define our season,” he said.

“Can we take eight to 10 points from those five games and keep us where we want to be? That period will define the season and what we can achieve.”

But Bruce’s side will need to overcome bogey team Everton if they are to kick-start their next month with a bang.

Everton have won 10 of their last 12 clashes with Sunderland, with the other two drawn.

One of those 10 wins was a 7-1 thrashing that Everton handed out at Goodison Park in 2007.

Manchester United loanee Danny Welbeck is a doubt for the match with a tight hamstring, but the likes of defenders John Mensah and Anton Ferdinand and attacker Fraizer Campbell will definitely miss.

Everton need a result to pull themselves away from the relegation zone, which they only sit one point above.

David Moyes’ men have paid for a poor start to the season and will again miss Belgian Marouane Fellaini through suspension.

But Everton are fairly settled and are only missing Leon Osman and Victor Anichebe from their first-team squad through injury.

Despite having most of their players available, the Everton boss says it will not be easy stopping an in-form Sunderland.

“From the defeat they had at Newcastle, they have bounced back so well,” Moyes said.

“Steve looks as if he has dusted himself down and got them back together. They have certainly picked themselves up and got going again.”

Moyes was right – Sunderland are going – and the fact they have kept three clean sheets in a row at home and lost just one of their last 16 Premier League appearances at the Stadium of Light all points to a home win.

Everton’s impressive away form, however, and the increased expectation on Sunderland may just play into the visitors’ hands.