As Sunderland prepare for their final away trip of the season, all eyes turn to Goodison Park and what promises to be a fascinating encounter. To get the inside track on David Moyes' resurgent Everton side, we caught up with Mike from The Unholy Trinity Everton Podcast.

With just two games remaining, the Toffees are still very much in the hunt for European football—a position few could have predicted when the season kicked off. "I don't think many expected us to be anywhere near the European conversation," Mike admits. "But it shows steady progression and the inconsistency of other sides compared to last season."

While the late surge has been thrilling, Mike remains cautious: "I think it will get away from us, with our recent form hampering the charge. Still, it's been a steady season without the usual drama—refreshing for a change."

The return of David Moyes has been the defining storyline. The veteran manager, who spent over a decade at the club during his first stint, has instantly reconnected with the fanbase. "He gets the club," Mike explains. "When you've spent most of your managerial career at one place, you understand how it operates and what the fans expect. That said, there are a few detractors who can't see past certain things from his first spell and would prefer a change this summer. Expectation changes like the wind—but realism is needed given our chequered past."

One of Everton's hallmarks this season has been their resilience. They're rarely blown out of games, with results staying tight. So what's the secret? "It's being disciplined in our shape," Mike says. "Up until recently, we've been very difficult to break down. It helps having a back four with no forward-thinking intentions—Vitalii Mykolenko and Jake O'Brien are very defensive-minded, so they rarely get caught out. The downside? It doesn't help us going forward."

That defensive solidity has wobbled lately, with Everton conceding at least two goals in each of their last five matches. "Poor game management and the loss of key players have hurt us," Mike admits. As Sunderland prepare to test that vulnerability, one thing is clear: this is a team that refuses to go quietly, and at Goodison Park, the atmosphere will be electric.