Southampton are still in the relegation zone, despite the fact that their form has improved greatly in the last couple of weeks. In order to get away from the danger zone, they need to get points in this game. The problem is that Everton are famously strong when playing at their turf, the Goodison Park in Liverpool. Who’s gonna be the happier side once the referee blows the final whistle? Perhaps this Everton vs. Southampton match preview can answer that question.
Everton
Despite a fairly disastrous start of the season, the Toffees have managed to get back on their feet and get themselves on a respectable place on the table. They’re currently at the 8th spot in the Premier League and are guaranteed to stay in the top half of the table, no matter what.
Everton would like to stay in their current position, but Leicester City are breathing by their necks with four points less and one match fewer. That’s why Everton can’t relax yet. They need to take as many points as possible before the season ends.
They definitely can achieve that, considering that this team has been in a pretty good form lately. They won four out of previous seven matches; with their only defeat in that period was the one against the Premier League champions, Manchester City.
It seems that this whole season, Everton have been struggling with injuries. At the moment, there are several players who are absent due to injuries, but most of Toffees’ key men seem fit to play. These include their top scorer – Wayne Rooney, and their most-capped player – the goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. Unfortunately, Everton player with the most assists, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, is going to miss this match.
Southampton
Despite winning only four out of possible 16 points in March, no one can deny that Southampton have been playing well. The lack of points came as a result of the fact that they played against some really tough opponents. Still, there are three more rounds left for them to play, so they’re still in the game for avoiding the relegation.
Right now, they have only one point less than Swansea who are a place above them. The two will meet in the next round, in a match that will probably decide who gets to play in the Championship next season. Still, this doesn’t mean that the game against Everton has no importance for Southampton. On the contrary, every point matters a lot to this team.
What needs to worry them is their away form. They won only two away games this season in the Premier League. And their recent away form hasn’t been very good. In fact, they’ve scored only two goals since February.
Team News
Everton absentees:
- Dominic Calvert-Lewin (injury)
- Gylfi Sigurdsson (injury)
- James McCarthy (injury)
- Eliaquim Mangala (injury)
- Mason Holgate (injury)
Southampton absentees:
- Steven Davis (doubtful)
- Sofiane Boufal (doubtful)
Possible Lineups
Everton:
Pickford – Jagielka, Keane, Coleman, Baines – Schneiderlin, Gana, Walcott, Vlasic – Rooney, Tosun
Southampton:
McCarthy – Yoshida, Bednarek, Hoedt, Cédric Soares, Bertrand – Højbjerg, Romeu, Ward-Prowse, Tadic – Austin
Everton vs. Southampton Match Prediction
Southampton might have more desire to win this match, but the quality is on the side of Everton. Plus, they play at their stadium, where they’ve always been great. Actually, Everton won nine out of 11 games against Southampton that were played at the Goodison Park. Soton have never beaten the Toffees in Liverpool and I’m pretty certain that won’t change this weekend.
Everton vs. Southampton Betting Tips
- Double Chance 1X @1.50 (bet365)
