Ally McCoist
Former Sunderland striker on BBC Radio 5 live

It's been an encouraging start by Sunderland. For all Everton's possession, when Sunderland do get the ball forward there is authority, speed and presence about them.

We never saw Papy Djilobodji in the Premier League with Chelsea but I've heard good things about his start to life at Sunderland - and that is excellent anticipation to step out and cut out a pass aimed for Romelu Lukaku.

Everton are having the lion's share of possession - and you may have noticed our new live page has stats, line-ups etc in it now. Enjoy. 

Image source, Getty Images

Five-year-old mascot Bradley Lowery gets a huge reception on the five-minute mark.

His dad was very emotional in the tunnel before the sides came out. Lowery is battling neuroblastoma for a second time and needs £700,000 to receive life-saving treatment in America.

His dad looks hugely emotional again. 

Read more, external here.   

Image source, Getty Images

Idrissa Gueye wasn't signed by Everton for his goals and it shows - a screwed shot well wide from 25 yards. High-tempo start.

Ally McCoist
Former Sunderland striker on BBC Radio 5 live

We've seen two poor bits of defending by Ross Barkley in these early exchanges, it has to be said. He should have cleared his lines.

Loose touch from Kevin Mirallas on the right gifts possession back to Sunderland and Adnan Januzaj is able to find Jermain Defoe - his shot is blocked by Phil Jagielka.

Ross Barkley then gives it away again - it's sloppy from the visitors and it encourages the home crowd no end. 

Image source, Reuters

Ally McCoist
Former Sunderland striker on BBC Radio 5 live

That was a terrific save by Jordan Pickford, very brave at the feet of Romelu Lukaku. There were five Everton players attacking the box which shows their intent. 

Jordan Pickford has to be big and brave in the Sunderand goal straight away to surge out and dive on the ball at the feet of Romelu Lukaku after a cross was not dealt with. Top goalkeeping from the youngster, who had a blinder against Southampton - only to make an error for the goal. That's the young keeper's life. 

Image source, Reuters

Under way.

Ronald Koeman has his game face on in the dugout. He has named an enterprising Everton team with loads of pace. And Gareth Barry.

A winning formula? 

Image source, Getty Images

Ally McCoist
Former Sunderland striker on BBC Radio 5 live

Look at the job David Moyes did at Everton. It was fantastic. He speaks about trying to do the same thing at Sunderland. He is being very open and for that he has to be applauded.

Sunderland: Pickford, Manquillo, Kone, Djilobodji, Van Aanholt, Rodwell, Kirchhoff, Januzaj, Gooch, Watmore, Defoe. Subs: Denayer, Khazri, Mika, O'Shea, Ndong, McNair, Love.

Everton: Stekelenburg, Coleman, Ashley Williams, Jagielka, Baines, Gana, Barry, Mirallas, Barkley, Bolasie, Lukaku. Subs: Robles, Deulofeu, Kone, Lennon, Funes Mori, Davies, Holgate.

Referee: Mike Jones (Cheshire) 

Here come the two sides to great applause, Sunderland bedecked in hoodies. 

There is live football EVERY NIGHT THIS WEEK. A game changer. 

Hannes Read: "We won’t get relegated, absolutely no chance" - Blackburn boss Steve Kean in 2011 [Blackburn were relegated in 2011/12].

Image source, Getty Images

Tonight's game is live on BBC Radio 5 live, with full commentary from 20:00 BST.

Ian Dennis is joined in the comms box by former Rangers - and Sunderland - striker Ally McCoist.

Image source, Getty Images

That Christian Gross news conference was outstanding. He must have thought of that line about his train ticket on the way. Really nailed it. 

Image source, PA

Your favourite, and least favourite, lines from your own team's boss:

Spudlud: Christian Gross at Spurs, brandishing a London Underground ticket with the words "I want this to become my ticket to the dreams."

Andy White: Brian Clough: "I wouldn't say I am the best manager in the business but I am in the top one." Who could possibly argue?

Billy Britnell: "If we'd have kept a clean sheet we'd have won 1-0." - Steve Cotterill after losing to Burnley.

Image source, Getty Images

Twenty minutes to go until kick-off at the Stadium of Light. Romelu Lukaku's goal drought doesn't make a lot of sense and maybe tonight will be the night he gets the ball rolling his way again.

Or will Jermain Defoe surge past Teddy Sheringham in the all-time Premier League goalscorer's list? 

Both sides will be looking for their main striker to score tonight. 

I once had a statue commissioned to mark my achievements at the helm of (then non-league) AFC Wimbledon in a popular football management computer game.

In many ways it was the highlight of my university days.

But Alan Shearer trumps me with a proper, bona fide statue which has been unveiled outside St James' Park.

In today's game, with top players tending not to stay put for too long, who will be the next to earn a statue?