By Cole Gallagher / October 19, 2026
Premier League · Matchweek 17 · Dec 26, 2026 · Hill Dickinson Stadium, Liverpool · 10:00 AM ET / 3:00 PM GMT
⚽ Everton vs Sunderland ⚽
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The Hill Dickinson Stadium hosts a Boxing Day clash as Everton welcome Sunderland, with the Merseyside crowd expecting a festive lift from their side. Here is our full breakdown, part of our ongoing coverage of the best sportsbooks for backing every Premier League fixture this season.
Odds Comparison
Both Teams to Score
Total Goals
Team Analysis
Everton
Everton are a long-standing top-flight club who typically draw on a strong home identity and a vocal crowd to set the tempo of matches. On Boxing Day in front of their own supporters they will back themselves to take the initiative and press the game. They tend to favour a physical, committed approach that can unsettle opponents who are not used to the intensity. Against a smaller, promoted-level visitor they will expect to control key areas and create the better openings. The festive fixture pile-up may force some rotation, but their established squad should still carry greater all-round quality.
Key Storyline: Everton will look to harness the home atmosphere and impose their physicality from the first whistle.
Sunderland
Sunderland arrive as the outsider and face the challenge of a tricky away day against more experienced top-flight opposition. As one of the division’s smaller sides they will likely prioritise structure and resilience, aiming to stay in the contest and pounce on any lapse. Their travelling support is famously loud and can keep the players believing even when the pressure mounts. Set pieces and transitions may offer their clearest route to causing an upset. With the congested festive programme stretching squads, their ability to keep fresh legs available could shape how long they sustain their shape.
Key Storyline: Sunderland must defend with discipline and seize any half-chance to spring a surprise on the road.
Key Betting Angles
This has the feel of a fixture where a draw is far from unthinkable, as Boxing Day matches often tighten up when the underdog digs in. Both teams to score could appeal if Sunderland offer anything in transition, yet Everton will fancy keeping a clean sheet at home. The totals picture depends heavily on whether the hosts find an early goal to open the game. Tired legs from the busy festive run can slow the tempo and reduce clear chances. A bouncing home crowd and the occasion itself add their own layer of unpredictability.
We are tracking the full Premier League Matchweek 17 slate, plus everything else on the board, over on worldcupbetting.ca.
Our Prediction
Cole’s Pick: Everton to win
Everton’s superior top-flight experience and home advantage should give them the edge against a side still adapting to this level. The Hill Dickinson crowd can be a powerful ally on a charged festive afternoon. Sunderland have the organisation to make it awkward, but the hosts have more ways to find a goal. A narrow home win feels the most likely outcome rather than anything emphatic.
Confidence: medium, home edge is real though the margin may be slim
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Cole Gallagher covers soccer betting for WorldCupBetting.ca, specialising in match predictions, odds analysis and tournament futures. Based in Toronto, he has followed the Canadian men’s national team since their 2022 qualifying campaign and brings a line-shopping, data-first approach to every pick.