Netherlands centre-back Lutsharel Geertruida, 25, on loan at Sunderland from RB Leipzig, is keen to continue playing in the Premier League next season amid interest from Everton. (Football Insider, external)
Want more transfer stories? Read Tuesday's full gossip column
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer Premier League midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker says Sunderland "staying true to their principles" has been key to a fine season that has taken them to the verge of European football.
In their return to the top flight for the first time since 2016-17, the Black Cats go into the final day with a chance of playing in Europe for the first time since 1973.
"Fantastic, a really great story," Reo-Coker told BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily podcast.
"I've had to deal with so many conversations about how the Premier League is too strong now for teams coming up from the Championship - the three that come up go down, and I've always been against that.
"I've always felt that it's the identity that the teams that come up have. Some of these teams when they get into the Premier League change and suddenly try and act all Hollywood instead of sticking with what got them there and trying to evolve from there.
"That is what Sunderland did. They recruited lots of players with experience, they went in there with no fear, stayed true to their principles, and didn't try and play total football and act like they've been in the Premier league forever.
"You have to earn the right and they have earned the right and the season they have had has been absolutely amazing. That should give hope to other teams who come up to say, 'you can achieve that if you do the right footballing things with the right footballing principles'."
Chris Collinson
BBC Sport statistician
Image source, Getty ImagesSunderland still have a chance of European qualification, but regardless it is important not to forget the incredible season they have had in their first season back in the Premier League since 2016-17.
The Black Cats have become just the fifth out of 48 promoted sides to reach 50 points in the last 16 years - after Wolves in 2018-19, Sheffield United in 2019-20, Leeds in 2020-21 and Fulham in 2022-23.
Regis Le Bris' side are just the fourth play-off winners ever to reach 50 points - and the first for 20 years after Blackburn in 1992-93 (62 points in a 42-game season), Ipswich in 2000-01 (66) and West Ham in 2005-06 (55).
Only one of the previous 11 sides that came up via the play-offs reached the 40-point mark, never mind 50! (Brentford won 46 points in 2021-22)
Le Bris' side have won the most points from losing positions in the Premier League this season (22).
Sunday's win at Everton is the 10th time they've come from behind to take something in a game.
Leeds could also reach 50 points - if they win at West Ham on the final day, we'd see two promoted sides reach 50 points in a single season for just the 3rd time in Premier League history - after Ipswich (66) and Charlton (52) in 2000-01 and West Ham (55) and Wigan (51) in 2005-06.
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Tom Gayle MOTD Commentator at Hill Dickinson Stadium
Whether or not Sunderland's season ends with European football being secured, it's been a standout campaign which will live long in the memory.
How many people, especially after the dramatic Championship play-off final victory almost 12 months ago, could have predicted Sunderland would go on to clock over 50 points in their return to the top flight, following an eight year absence? Not many.
One of those select few was Chairman Kyril Louis-Dreyfus. A win at home this Sunday against Chelsea will see the Black Cats achieve his long-stated ambition of a top-10 finish.
For me the team's standout trait has been their resilience. Turning losing positions into points has been a consistent theme. Their victory at Hill Dickinson is the fifth time they come from behind to win a league game this season, with three of those coming on the road. Great entertainment for any neutral, but it must be a nerve shredding watch at times for their own supporters.
Some 28 of Sunderland's league goals have been scored in the second half, which equates to a whopping 70% of their overall total of 40. On route to beating Everton, Jordan Pickford's first save didn't come until the 48th minute. They appear to be living up to the adage of "it takes us a half to get going".
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We asked for your thoughts after Sunday's Premier League game between Everton and Sunderland.
Here are some of your comments:
Everton fans
David: Lacklustre, poor and we got what we deserved. That's on the players. Team selection and an inability to change or manage games is on Moyes. Stop picking our third and fourth choice centre-backs who concede two goals a game. Stop playing our second choice centre-back at right-back. He is not comfortable in that position? Start to play on the front foot instead of defending 0-0. I am Moyes out. The Friedkin Group should show some ambition and get Iraola.
Peter: The whole squad and management should apologise to Seamus Coleman for such an inept performance. If Mr Moyes thinks that a performance like that was nip and tuck he needs to take a look from my seat. O'Brien was gone after five minutes and many others looked exhausted. At half time subs needed to be made. Alcaraz, George, Patterson all would have injected pace and enthusiasm into a dire team performance! Back to the Moyes of old, I'm afraid.
Anne-Marie: A lacklustre effort from the beginning from a poor Everton team with careless passing throughout. The best effort and skill came from Dewsbury-Hall but Sunderland had control of the game throughout.
Ron: So disappointing for the last home game of the season, no spark in the team apart from Rohl and Garner.
Sunderland fans
Nigel: A great result but would be better not continually passing across the front of their own goal where they are prone to error. Reinildo was great and O'Nien was solid. Great goals late on as usual to clinch another three points!
Ray: Great second half. Aamazing season, manager of the year, team of the decade!!!
Peter: Sunderland were brilliant and if they could only add a killer touch to their play they would have won more comfortably. Luke O'Nien and Mukiele were solid at the back and Xhaka was superb again in midfield. If we can add a bit of quality to our front line, I think we'll be sure of another great season next year.
Craig: Some fans don't want us to get into Europe because we may not be ready. Forget that, let's do what we can to do and worry about being ready if we get there. Why would we turn Europe down?
Chelsea are targeting a keeper and are seriously considering a move for Sunderland's 23-year-old Dutchman Robin Roefs. (Mirror), external
Want more transfer stories? Read Monday's full gossip column
Pundits Dion Dublin and Mark Schwarzer join host Gabby Logan to bring you the action and talking points from Friday's and Sunday's Premier League fixtures.
And listen back to full match commentaries on BBC Sounds:
O'Nien: 'I'm very proud of the boys'
Sunderland defender Luke O'Nien said he's "very proud" of the team following their big win over Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
The 3-1 victory sees Regis le Bris' side have a chance of qualifying for Europe in their first season back in the Premier League following promotion last season.
You can listen to the full interview above or on BBC Sounds
Michael Emons
BBC Sport journalist
Image source, Getty ImagesWhat a dream season it has been for Regis le Bris' Sunderland side on their return to the top flight for the first time since dropping out of the Premier League in 2016-17.
They then fell from the Championship and had a four-year spell in League One, but now are potentially 90 minutes from securing European football.
Sunderland's win, which takes them above Everton, leaves them ninth, one point behind Brentford in eighth and two points behind Brighton in seventh, although Chelsea in 10th have a game on the Black Cats.
With Manchester City beating Chelsea 1-0 in Saturday's FA Cup final, that means seventh in the Premier League would qualify for the Europa League, with eighth place going into the Conference League.
Sunderland's season has already seen them gain home and away wins over fierce rivals Newcastle and they have also beaten Chelsea and drawn with Arsenal, Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United.
They have not been in the top nine in English football since 2000-01, when they came seventh.
What an occasion it promises to be at the Stadium of Light next Sunday when they entertain Chelsea.
Sunderland boss Regis le Bris speaking to Sky Sports: "The first half was OK, not bad, but we didn't threaten the opponent's defence enough and conceded a goal on a set piece. Second half more ambitious, taking more risks and the subs helped. It was the most important statement at this stage in the season, that the group is still a unit. It's never easy, two games before the end to keep everyone aligned but this was the case. So I'm really pleased by the subs as well.
"We are becoming ambitious. It's reality now because we have one more game and we have the opportunity to achieve something really special. Now it's just a final and we'll see.
"It's the club and the team, the staff and the direction we are really well-aligned. It makes a difference at the end so I'm proud of that.
"Our fans were loud today so I imagine they will be louder next week. They deserve it, they are always really supportive. We have highs and lows and they were still behind us. I hope that we can enjoy the last fixture at home."
Message to players before next week? "Consistency, standards and ready to be competitive. You have to manage the expected and also the unexpected. If you are ready and prepare well you give yourself the best chance to be successful. Consistency, team work and connections."
Sunderland midfielder Enzo Le Fee speaking to BBC Match of the Day: "We just said we played well in the first half but the last 30 metres we were a bit quiet. We needed more fire and I think we did well. The guys who came on had a perfect attitude and this is the team, the family we have had since the beginning of the season. We can be proud.
"The second goal, and even the third, can be the game. The reaction in the second half was perfect but after the first goal we kept going. That's the most important thing.
"Nobody likes defeat. Our strength is to be together in the good moments and the bad ones as well. What we did all season is always react in a good way and we did it after the first half today. We can be proud of us. At the beginning of the season we said we have to be a family and a team."
On goal celebration: "Since I was young, I liked Spiderman, my favourite hero. That's why and with my little brother so it's a sign for him. I should've done the celebration a long time ago but I didn't score. A good moment so I was happy to score in front of our fans."
On push for European football: "We want the best for this team always and we did well. We should be in a better position today because we had some games we should win as well but it wasn't the case. We can be proud. We keep working hard as we have all season. One more final to play at home against Chelsea. A good game to finish the season."
Did you know?
Sunderland have gained more points from losing positions than any other side in the Premier League this season (22), while it's the Black Cats' most across a single campaign in the competition.
Brian Brobbey has scored seven goals across 30 Premier League appearances this season – the most by a Sunderland player in their debut top-flight campaign with the club since Fabio Borini in 2013-14 (also seven).
Sunderland's Chris Rigg provided his very first assist in the Premier League – becoming the youngest ever player to do so for the Black Cats in the competition (18y 333d).
Whether you were at the game or following from elsewhere, we want to know what you learned.
Have your say on Everton's performance
What did you make of Sunderland's display?
Come back on Monday for a selection of your replies
Everton are unchanged from their last game, a 2-2 draw at Crystal Palace a week ago.
That means Seamus Coleman, who will be playing his last home game for the Toffees at the end of a 17-year spell with the club, is only among the substitutes.
Everton XI: Pickford, Mykolenko, Keane, Tarkowski, O'Brien, Garner, Iroegbunam, Ndiaye, Dewsbury-Hall, Rohl, Beto.
Subs: Travers, Patterson, Coleman, Dibling, Alcaraz, Armstrong, McNeil, Barry, George.
Sunderland make one change from the side that drew 0-0 at home to Manchester United on 9 May as Nilson Angulo comes in for Chemsdine Talbi, who is on the bench.
Sunderland XI: Roefs, Mandava, Alderete, Geertruida, Mukiele, Sadiki, Xhaka, Angulo, Le Fee, Hume, Brobbey.
Subs: Ellborg, Cirkin, Rigg, O'Nien, Diarra, Talbi, Mayenda, Isidor, Ta Bi.
There are six games in the Premier League on Sunday and BBC Sport will bring you every moment.
Manchester United v Nottingham Forest (12:30)
Brentford v Crystal Palace - listen on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra
Everton v Sunderland
Leeds v Brighton - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live
Wolves v Fulham
Newcastle v West Ham (17:30) - listen on BBC Radio 5 Live
Kick-offs 15:00 unless stated
Follow all of the action and reaction here
You can also listen to today's 5 Live Premier League commentaries on most smart speakers. Just say "ask BBC Sounds to play Leeds v Brighton" or "ask BBC Sounds to play Newcastle v West Ham", for instance.
Find out more about how to listen to Premier League football on BBC Sounds
These sides are both in mid-table, and they have both gone a few weeks without winning now.
Performance-wise, they have not been terrible, but their results have tailed off a bit.
Everton have shipped a few goals recently, though and I can see David Moyes wanting them to get back to keeping a clean sheet.
Sutton's prediction: 1-0
Jordan Butler
BBC Sport journalist
Everton take on Sunderland in their final home game of the season with both sides still harbouring faint hopes of European qualification.
Everton's 2-2 draw at Crystal Palace last weekend felt like two points dropped instead of one point gained, not only because they led twice at Selhurst Park, but because they lost ground in the race for European qualification.
"It's amazing that we are actually talking about Everton possibly being in Europe with two games to go – and we're not out of it yet," said manager David Moyes last Sunday. "[But] it's getting tougher every game we're not winning."
The Toffees' last Premier League victory came almost two months ago at home against Chelsea and Moyes is right – their current run of five top-flight games without a win (D3, L2) could cost them a place in a continental competition next season.
The Blues have already surpassed last season's points tally of 48 and probably need to another six to that total if they are to stand a decent chance of securing European football at Hill Dickinson Stadium for the 2026-27 campaign.
Garner going the distance
Striker Beto may have scored five times in his past five games, but usual midfielder and occasional full-back James Garner has arguably been Everton's player of the season.
The 25-year-old was rewarded for his consistent performances with a first England call-up in March and still has a chance of making Thomas Tuchel's World Cup squad.
Garner is one of six outfield players to start all 36 Premier League games this season and he also scored when Everton faced Sunderland in the FA Cup back in January.
Black Cats eye Europe
Like their opponents this weekend, European qualification is no longer in Sunderland's hands. However, they still have a very slim chance of reaching the Europa League or Europa Conference League but would almost certainly require maximum points from their final two games and other results go their way.
The Black Cats almost took all three points from their game against Manchester United last Saturday, and they were in the ascendancy for most of their fixture, but in the end they were forced to settle for a 0-0 draw.
"We probably created enough chances to win the game, but chances don't always mean goals," said head coach Regis Le Bris after that result. "If we're disappointed at home after a draw against [Manchester] United, it is a good sign for the club."
Bragging rights on the line
Europe aside, the opportunity to finish above Newcastle United provides further incentive for a strong end to the campaign.
It is a feat that the Wearside club last achieved in 2015-16 when their local rivals slipped into the Championship.
Sam Allardyce was in charge 10 years ago and his side sealed their Premier League survival and relegated both Norwich and Newcastle with a comprehensive 3-0 victory in their penultimate game. Their opponents that day where Everton.
Ella Gibbs
BBC Sport journalist
Sunderland boss Regis Le Bris has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium (kick-off 15:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Le Bris was nominated for manager of the season and said he was "very proud" of the achievement and that it was "for the club and for the staff and the players"
He explained: "It's a collective achievement. No mater the result it highlights the quality of the group and the season overall. The Premier League is a rollercoaster with highs and lows but at the end of the season I think this kind of recognition is very important for us."
Listen to Marco Gabbiadini, Nick Barnes and Simon Pryde discuss Le Bris' nomination on BBC Radio Newcastle below or here on BBC Sounds
On this season's success he said: "It's always hard because we are already in the next game and the next season. But we will probably have a week to appreciate this moment and after that go again with new goals, new problems, new opportunities because it is our life."
When asked to reflect on last week's game against Manchester United he said: "I'm really pleased by this end of the season, even if we didn't win we created three big chances, conceded only one at the end. We showed improvements in many areas. Still strong out of possession with the ability to press high and to protect our goal, it means that we are improving. It's not just a question of key moments, we are working hard and the squad is getting better."
On players tiring against Manchester United: "It was demanding, we were controlling main parts of the game but there was a drop in the quality of decision making and less composure, then they got opportunities quick. It's the Premier League, at that level it is about giving 100% all of the time, when you drop you feel the threat immediately. It's not easy to maintain that level over 100 minutes at the end of the season."
Sunderland could be looking ahead to Europe but Le Bris was adamant that they were only focused on the next game in front of them: "We want to win the next game, if you start to look too far ahead it's a distraction. Our job is to stay focused on the game and the game plan and the problems you have to fix and the opportunities as well."
When asked about if he thought Sunderland are overperforming this season he said: "The expectations at the start, the odds were really low so it's a big achievement, so we are really proud of this achievement. The exposure to problems and big teams helps. The evolution of the players is good too, many of the players had not got Premier League experience. It's very positive."
Hit play at the top of this post to hear more from Le Bris or listen here on BBC Sounds
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Nick Barnes, Marco Gabbiadini and Simon Pryde have been discussing Sunderland's academy on BBC Radio Newcastle and how the under 23s and first team have supported one another this season.
A number of the under-21s squad have been used on the bench in the Premier League this campaign, including the Jones brothers - Jaydon and Jensen - and Jack Whittock.
But Gabbiadini believes the likelihood of the academy players breaking through into the first team now that Sunderland are in the Premier League for another season is slimmer.
"The route to the first team is the biggest problem for any young player," the former Black Cats striker said. "Many of them have been on the bench this season, but will they have many on the bench next season?
"I'm not knocking the lads, but that has been a big difference between us and a lot of teams this season.
"It depends on recruitment this summer and it depends on Regis le Bris' core squad, how it's fleshed out in the summer and the quality he brings into that."
Listen to the conversation on BBC Sounds or hit play above
Image source, Getty ImagesSunderland boss Regis le Bris has been named on a six-man shortlist for the Premier League's manager of the season award.
The 50-year-old is nominated alongside Brentford's Keith Andrews, Manchester United's Michael Carrick, Arsenal's Mikel Arteta, Manchester City's Pep Guardiola and Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola.
The winner will be decided by a combination of a public vote and panel of football experts.
Image source, Getty ImagesFormer Sunderland striker Marco Gabbiadini has been discussing Regis le Bris' goal of squad stability with BBC Radio Newcastle's Nick Barnes and Simon Pryde.
After the Black Cats signed 14 players last summer, it is expected to be a quieter window this time round with Le Bris wanting a few additions to add to the squad which has will finish midtable in the clubs' first season back in the Premier League.
"This season gives us a strong platform with 14 new signings," he said.
"The connection and performances have been good. There is room for improvement, it's important to build on the foundations we have created together because we feel we have so much to do with this club.
"It's still important to add two, three, four players to help the starting XI and the 16-man core of the squad."
Gabbiadini added: "It was an incredible summer.
"They weren't exactly household names but you could see where the ideas were coming from and Granit Xhaka was the icing on the cake. Keeping them first and foremost is going to be the biggest part of the summer and then it goes into adding something to it.
"Four sounds pretty conservative but it would certainly help. Some managers don't like a big squad.
"You have also then got to be reactionary in the transfer window if you have a small squad and something happens injury-wise. It should be an easier summer for us and you would like to think there will be more players wanting to come to a club like Sunderland after seeing what we've done [this season]."
Listen to the full chat below or on BBC Sounds
Image source, Getty ImagesBBC Radio Newcastle's Nick Barnes says some of the football played in Saturday's home draw against Manchester United was "the best we've seen from Sunderland this season".
Despite failing to find the net in the goalless stalemate, the Black Cats limited United to just one shot on target, had higher possession and registered an xG (expected goals) of 1.17 compared to the visitor's 0.66.
"I think it was a big performance against a good team. You'd have to say the result was positive although it was only a draw," Barnes said.
"It was a really good performance backed up with a lot of players playing well.
"We have talked about Sunderland plateauing this past month or two but I thought some of the football on Saturday was the best we've seen from Sunderland this season.
"You could see the triangles moving up the pitch, everybody kept in close contact with each other quick passing, and Manchester United were struggling to come to terms with that speed. I thought some of the passing that Sunderland were putting together was very impressive.
"The only low point was the start of the second half when I felt they were struggling to get into the game, but I think the crowd then got behind them and got them re-energised. I thought that overall, that was one of the best performances I've seen from Sunderland this season."
Listen to the full chat below or on BBC Sounds
