Sunderland: Everton manager Roberto Martinez claims his defence has finally regained its solidity after a difficult start to the season.
Martinez’s side face Sunderland at the Stadium of Light on Sunday having kept four clean sheets in their last five matches in all competitions.
Everton’s poor performances early this season were characterised by the number of goals they gave away, but Martinez says confidence in that department has been restored.
The last time Everton conceded it was the solitary goal in their 3-1 victory over Burnley at Turf Moor and Martinez is hopeful that solid foundation can be built on after a spluttering start to the season.
“We have conceded just one goal in five games,” Martinez said. “And that is a very good return, especially after the start we had in the season.
“We looked a little bit soft in that department which was not normal in our play and cost us a few points, so it is good to get back to our standards.”
Everton are likely to be without Antolin Alcaraz, who has a shoulder injury for another four weeks, while youngster John Stones will not be back from ankle injury until early next year.
But, despite having only two fit senior centre-backs, in captain Phil Jagielka and veteran Sylvain Distin, Martinez ruled out strengthening the area when the transfer window in January.
“We are happy with the numbers that we have got in the squad,” he said.
“Sylvain Distin came in against Lille and he looked refreshed and ready for the challenge ahead.
“Young Tyias Browning is also ready and there is Brendan Galloway. They are two players, which means we have our centre-half positions well covered.”
Everton right-back Seamus Coleman and midfielder Gareth Barry both face fitness tests ahead the match against the Black Cats.
Coleman sat out Everton’s 3-0 victory over Lille in the Europa League during the week after he sustained a cut to his Achilles in last weekend’s draw against Swansea.
Barry was forced from the field in the second half of the game against Lille after he also received a gash on his shin and a knock to his ankle.
Sunderland coach Gus Poyet will make at least two changes as Sunderland go in search of back-to-back Premier League wins for the first time in six months.
Former England Under-21 midfielder Lee Cattermole is suspended after reaching five bookings this season, with Liam Bridcutt set to come in as replacement.
Recent signing Anthony Reveillere makes his full home debut at left-back in place of Dutch defender Patrick van Aanholt, who is out for up to a month after suffering a dislocated shoulder in the 3-1 victory at Crystal Palace that lifted the Wearside club out of the bottom three.
Jack Rodwell, Sunderland’s former Everton midfielder, is also pushing for a recall after missing out at Selhurst Park with a calf injury.
Sunderland most recently enjoyed consecutive league victories in the final month of last season as four straight wins secured their top status.
With his side set to be backed by another 40,000-plus Stadium of Light crowd, Poyet said: “A win on Sunday could leave us in the top 10 over the international break, so that shows how close it is at present.”
