Everton left-back Leighton Baines bursting down the left trying to attempt a cross but it just runs out of play. Good intent, though.

We're off. Everton get us under way.

Steve Bower
BBC Match of the Day commentator

Image source, .

"Relegation-threatened Sunderland knew they had to win last weekend at home to Southampton, and they did ... just. But without wanting to dampen any Wearside spirits, three of their last four matches 12 months ago were at the Stadium of Light; this time they have only one home game left.

"I know there is a strong determination in the Everton squad to finish a disappointing season strongly and as high up the table as possible."

The teams are out but some of the Sunderland support are reportedly stuck in bad traffic coming down from the north east. Let's hope they don't miss anything important!

And while we are debating the key issues, it was interesting listening to former England fast bowler Steve Harmison and England women's international midfielder Jill Scott on 5 live earlier this week on the subject of north-east rivalry. Harmison is a Newcastle fan, while Scott is a Sunderland supporter. Both were saying they didn't want their rivals to go down, purely because they looked forward to derby days so much. Is that the case for you Black Cats fans?

Let us know your thoughts on Twitter via #bbcfootball, external, on text on 81111 or on the BBC Facebook page, external

Image source, Andy Cryer

Everton's improved league form has coincided with them exiting the Europa League. Although they are well out of the running for qualifying this season, they could be heading back there next season through the fair-play league after Uefa granted an extra spot to the Premier League on Friday. Would that be a blessing or a curse given the struggles to combine European and domestic form this season?

Let us know your thoughts on Twitter via #bbcfootball, external, on text on 81111 or on the BBC Facebook page, external

Image source, AP

It doesn't seem like too long ago that Everton were flirting with relegation themselves. But five wins from their last seven games have taken them into 11th and the relative comfort that Sunderland can only dream of. Does that mean Roberto Martinez's side will be taking it easy?

Absolutely not, says the Spaniard, who knows a thing or two about relegation battles with former club Wigan. "We have everything to play for this weekend and we need to bounce back from the disappointing result at Aston Villa."

Sunderland boss Dick Advocaat on BT Sport: "We know how Everton play, and we know how difficult it will be to beat them. Last week we were very up for up and there is a positive atmosphere in the dressing room. It's a must-not lose game but we will try to win."

Sunderland will know how much pressure a victory will put on their rivals but they are the only one of their close rivals to play away this afternoon. At 15:00 BST Hull host bottom club Burnley, who will be relegated if they do not win. Aston Villa face West Ham, Leicester are at home to Southampton and Newcastle are looking to end their dreaded run versus West Brom.

Image source, .

This is the size of the task facing Sunderland. The one benefit they have is a game in hand over their rivals, which is a trip to Arsenal before they face champions Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on the final day. Before that they face Everton today and Leicester at home. How big is that game going to be?

Image source, Getty Images

Ross Barkley and Leon Osman step up from the bench into the Everton midfield with Steven Naismith and Kevin Mirallas making way.

Sunderland make one change from the team that beat Southampton with Wes Brown replacing the injured John O'Shea in the centre of defence.

Everton XI: Howard, Coleman, Baines, Stones, Jagielka, McCarthy, Barry, Lennon, Barkley, Osman, Lukaku.

Sunderland XI: Pantilimon, Jones, Van Aanholt, Brown, Coates, Larsson, Cattermole, Gomez, Defoe, Wickham, Graham.

Ok enough shoe-horning, let's get some team news.....

So what are the chances of that? Well, based on recent evidence it makes grim reading for Sunderland. They are without a Premier League away win in 2015, while Everton are unbeaten at Goodison this year. Still, we were told by the pollsters what might happen in the general election and that wasn't too accurate was it?

Image source, Reuters

The gloomy picture on Tyneside might be causing plenty of amusement among Sunderland fans, but they cannot laugh too much yet. With the Black Cats dropping into the bottom three after Leicester's recent revival, Dick Advocaat's team are two points worse off than their north-east rivals but a win at mid-table Everton can take them soaring above Newcastle and three other relegation strugglers.