Sylvain Distin is picked to start in central defence for Everton against Sunderland for what will be his first Premier League appearance in over a month.

Sylvain Distin will make his first Premier League appearance in over a month for Everton in this afternoon's trip to Sunderland.

The veteran centre-back returns to partner Phil Jagielka in defence after coming through 90 minutes on Thursday against Lille in the Europa League.

Distin's return is one of two changes to the Everton side that were held to a goalless draw by Swansea City last weekend, with Romelu Lukaku getting the nod over Steven Naismith in attack.

Hosts Sunderland, meanwhile, make three changes to the side that won away from home for the first time this season at Crystal Palace on Monday night.

In come Wes Brown, Liam Bridcutt and Adam Johnson, with Patrick van Aanholt, Lee Cattermole and Will Buckley missing out.

Van Aanholt is out injured after picking up a shoulder problem at Selhurst Park, while Cattermole serves a one-match ban and Buckley drops to the bench.

Sunderland: Pantilimon; Vergini, Brown, O'Shea, Reveillere; Larsson, Bridcutt, Gomez, Johnson; Wickham, Fletcher
Subs: Rodwell, Altidore, Mavrias, Graham, Buckley, T Robson, Mannone

Everton: Howard; Coleman, Jagielka, Distin, Baines; McCarthy, Barry; McGeady, Eto'o, Barkley; Lukaku
Subs: Hibbert, Gibson, Naismith, Besic, Atsu, Osman, Robles

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