Southampton travel to face Everton on Saturday in a match that could prove crucial for their European ambitions. On the other hand the home side will need the points as well in order to avoid a tense season finale in the relegation zone. Everton have beaten Southampton 37 times until now while the Saints recorded 22 wins against the Toffees. Southampton haven't won at Goodison Park since 1997 but this season's reverse fixture ended 3-0 with goals from Graziano Pelle, Maya Yoshida and an own goal from Romelu Lukaku.
Everton should be confident ahead of the match as they have captured two consecutive wins before it, including a convincing 3-0 success against Newcastle. John Stones is back from injury and even though his form is not at best yet he should be able to help the Toffees' defence stay tight against the Saints. Leighton Baines is in doubt because of injury.
Southampton gathered seven points out of their last three games following two consecutive defeats as they defeated Crystal Palace and Burnley at home and snatched a surprising 1-1 draw at leaders Chelsea. Goalkeeper Fraser Forster is out for the season due to a bad knee injury and will be replaced by Kelvin Davis. Manager Ronald Koeman might also have to do without midfielder Steven Davis.
Probable starting line-ups:
Everton: Howard - Coleman, Stones, Jagielka, Baines - Gibson, McCarthy, Osman, Lennon - Barkley - Lukaku
Southampton: K.Davis - Clyne, Bertrand, Alderweireld, Fonte - Schneiderlin, S.Davis, Tadic, Mane - Pelle, Long
My prediction: 1-1 draw.
Here are the odds for the match at Bet365:
Everton win - 17/10 Draw - 9/4 Southampton win - 15/8
Shumar4life
9 years ago
Everton played really bad season, and they have no chances to play in Europe next season. This match they will play for prestige. Southampton has their chances to achieve good position on the table, they have quality team, and I believe that they can win this match, because they have better motive
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seculla
9 years ago
This match will be interesting. Both teams raised their form lately, and this will be a big derby. Southampton will fight until the end of season for place that leads to Europa League, and I'm sure that Everton will fight for every point until the end of season, even they are far from those places on the table that leads...
This match will be interesting. Both teams raised their form lately, and this will be a big derby. Southampton will fight until the end of season for place that leads to Europa League, and I'm sure that Everton will fight for every point until the end of season, even they are far from those places on the table that leads in European competitions. I expect goals from both sides.
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sharpe
9 years ago
I expect very interesting game between those two. Before the season we expected Everton to be at the top half on the standings and Southampton at the bottom but surprise, surprise. I don't have an idea what is going to happen in this game but I believe it will be a close one.
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