One former Everton midfielder will be keeping a close eye on the Blues’ trip to the Stadium of Light this weekend.
Don Hutchison, who made 88 appearances for the Blues before making 39 appearances for the Black Cats, believes Roberto Martinez’s side have enough firepower to overcome Sunderland in their own backyard.
evertonfc.com caught up with the retired Scotland international, who is currently enjoying life as a pundit…
What have you made to Everton's start to this season?
It’s been a reasonably good start. I worked the game that finished 6-3 against Chelsea, which was great for the neutral but a real freak game. I think things are looking up though – as soon as you string a few wins together you can be right up there in amongst it in the Premier League. I expect Everton to do that soon before long and be right amongst that top six or seven.
What are your memories of traveling to the Stadium of Light to face Sunderland as an Everton player?
The game that I remember most about Sunderland was when we played them at Goodison because I scored a couple! But travelling up there was always an enjoyable trip – it’s a tough one because there is always a very good atmosphere but it is a good place to play.
Everton come into the game off the back of a 3-0 win against Lille – do you think the Europa League campaign can help a team's league form?
I think the most important aspect of playing games close together is the confidence it can give you. If you get a positive result on a Thursday, you will be full of confidence going into the league on Sunday, which can only benefit you.
It’s been a good start in Europe – they have all been positive results so far, so hopefully we’ll be able to progress through to the later stages.
I think the Champions League place to this year’s winner is fantastic and my only criticism is that it should have been in place sooner. I’ve said for years that the winners should be given a chance in the Champions League the year after, and I’m glad UEFA have finally implemented it.
Who do you think will be key for Everton against Sunderland?
I think Romelu Lukaku was a massive signing and I think he could be key on Sunday. He’s got bags of potential but he is still very raw. We need to see a bit more from him but I think he can have a big season and a big future with Everton.
What have you made of Jack Rodwell’s start to life as a Black Cat since his move from Manchester City?
I don’t think it’s been a particularly great start for him. I think he still needs to play a prolonged run of games to get his ‘game legs’, and then we’ll see the real Jack Rodwell. There seems to be some uncertainty over where his best position is – some say he is best at centre-back and others say he’s a defensive midfielder. I definitely think he is best in a holding midfield role and that is exactly what Sunderland are crying out for – I think he’ll turn out to be a good signing because he’s a talented boy.
After steering clear of relegation and finishing a respectable 14th last season, how do you assess the start Sunderland have made to the 2014/15 campaign?
It was not too bad with the four draws, but then obviously the heavy loss at Southampton knocked them. The wheels have come off slightly since then, and, although it was a great win for them against Crystal Palace, I think that plasters over the cracks a little bit because they aren’t playing well. I think there is a lot of work to be done with that back four and goalkeeper.
Finally, how do you see the game panning out on Sunday?
I think Everton will come out on top. Sunderland, despite their win against Palace this week, are low on confidence and not playing well. I think Everton should win the midfield battle, and that means Sunderland’s defence could be exposed again on Sunday.
