Everton vs Sunderland: Premier League Prediction Panel 2008/9 - preview and predictions

The transformation in Sunderland since Ricky Sbragia took over from Roy Keane has been truly astonishing. From almost snatching a point at Old Trafford to thrashing West Brom and Hull City, Niall Quinn was given no option but to give the job to the former Manchester United youth coach on a full-time basis.

However, Sbragia has made a rod for his own back now and has to ensure that the Black Cats can keep producing results and impressive performances. Unfortunately for Sbragia he must begin his official spell as Sunderland manager with a visit to Goodison Park where they have failed to win in 12 years.

This will be the first meeting between the two sides on Merseyside since Everton smacked seven past them in a convincing victory 13 months ago. However, David Moyes, who has watched his Toffees win just once at home this season, will surely settle for just one goal as long as it's a winner. Everton have the worst home record in the Premiership and have scored on average just once every game at Goodison, but they will be full of confidence after holding Chelsea to a draw last Monday.

David Moyes should be able to recall striker Victor Anichebe but he will be without Louis Saha and Joeseph Yobo, while Leon Osman remains a doubt. Craig Gordon and George McCartney will be missing for Sunderland but Ricky Sbragia should have Teemu Tianio and Kieran Richardson back in his starting line-up.

But despite Everton's poor home form and Sunderland's recent revival, the majority of the panel believe that this is a home banker for Everton.

Everton vs Sunderland; Kick Off 2:00pm 28 Dec 2008

Prediction Panel
Our panel contains both Squarefootball writers and readers, the writers are marked: (sqf).

Tony Bellew : 1 - 0
Dave Blackburn : 2 - 0
Sue Gardener : 0 - 1
Chris Goodwin : 3 - 1
Paul Grech (sqf) : 2 - 0
Colin Illingworth (sqf) : 2 - 1
Hugh Larkin (sqf) : 2 - 0
Peter Lee : 2 - 0
Don McMahon : 2 - 0
Antony Melvin (sqf) : 2 - 1
Stephen Orford (sqf) : 1 - 0
Tony Ratton : 1 - 1
Peter Rendle : 2 - 0
Dan Taylor : 2 - 0
Bill Urban (sqf) : 2 - 0
Andy Wakeman : 2 - 0
Isaac Williams : 3 - 1
Mark Williams : 1 - 1

Panel Verdict
The panel is expecting a comfortable 2-0 Everton win.

Home: 15; Draw: 2; Away: 1.

* Do we have it right, or do you know better? Please don't bother with derisory comments on the predictions after the match - unless you also pulled us up before it!