WES BROWN will make his first start for Sunderland since May after being asked to solve a defensive problem at Goodison Park.

With John O’Shea and Younes Kaboul sidelined through injury, Sam Allardyce has asked the experienced Brown to slot in alongside Sebastian Coates at the heart of the defence against Everton.

And Allardyce has also axed £8m winger Jeremain Lens from the team to face the Toffees, with the early suggestions pointing towards full-back Patrick van Aanholt being asked to play wide left as a forward.

The only other change sees Jermain Defoe slot in alongside Steven Fletcher in attack because of the absence of Ola Toivonen, who had to limp out of last Sunday’s victory over Newcastle.

EVERTON (4-2-3-1): Howard; Coleman, Oviedo, Stones, Funes Mori; McCarthy, Barry; Kone, Barkley, Deulofeu; Lukaku. Subs: Robles (gk), Galloway, Gibson, Osman, Mirallas, Lennon, Naismith.

SUNDERLAND (4-2-3-1): Pantilimon; Yedlin, Brown, Coates, Jones; Cattermole, M’Vila; Johnson, Defoe, van Aanholt; Fletcher. Subs: Mannone (gk), Larsson, Rodwell, Gomez, Lens, Graham, Watmore.