Everton manager Roberto Martinez wary of desperate Sunderland

Everton manager Roberto Martinez has warned his players not to underestimate struggling Sunderland when the Toffees look to maintain their push for a top-four finish at the Stadium of Light on Saturday.

The Black Cats are at the bottom of the Premier League table, seven points from safety, and look strong candidates to be relegated to the Championship following Monday's woeful 5-1 thrashing at Tottenham.

On paper they would appear to be ideal opponents for fifth-placed Everton, who have their sights on a top-four finish, which would earn them a place in next season's Champions League.

Victory at the Stadium of Light would see them climb above fourth-placed Arsenal, who were beaten 3-0 by Everton last weekend but don't have a league fixture today because of their FA Cup semi-final against Wigan.

However, Martinez believes that the Toffees will face a Sunderland side who will not feel under pressure because their survival hopes have been written off, therefore potentially making them dangerous opponents.

"You get to a point in a relegation battle where you've got nothing to lose," Martinez said. "Sunderland are in a position now where they have got seven finals and they are going to approach it in that manner.