Ronald Koeman will travel to his former club Southampton for the first time since he left St. Mary’s for Goodison Park this summer. Southampton vs Everton- this game has all the ingredients to promise a Super Sunday cracker for the neutrals. Both sides are in desperate need for all three points having failed to impress on a consistent basis this season.
Everton started life under Koeman on a pretty good note but the Toffees’ form has been subdued of late. Koeman could guide his side to a victory just once in the last seven games. A heavy defeat at Chelsea followed by a frustrating home draw with Swansea City means Ronald Koeman will be a concerned man as he travels to the South Coast.
Southampton, on the other hand, are struggling for form as well. Their hopes of progressing to the knockout stage of the Europa League is still hanging by a thread following their 1-0 loss to Sparta Prague on Thursday. Claude Puel’s team sit 11th in the Premier League table and have scored 12 goals this season, meaning only four teams have scored a lesser number of goals than the Saints. So, it is understandable that they will be keen to win this game at any cost.
Team news
Southampton
Dusan Tadic is not expected to be available for Southampton as the Serbian midfielder continues his recovery from a broken nose. Defender Jose Fonte will be assessed for a foot problem, with Puel hopeful the captain will be fit, having not travelled for to Prague in the week. Matt Targett continues his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury.
Everton
There are no fresh injury concerns for Everton. Gareth Barry returns from suspension. Only long-term absentees Muhamed Besic (knee) and Matthew Pennington (hamstring) are sidelined.
Starting lineups
Southampton (4-3-3): Forster; Soares, van Dijk, Yoshida, Bertrand; Davis, Romeu, Clasie; Redmond, Austin, Boufal
Everton (4-2-3-1): Stekelenburg; Coleman, Williams, Funes Mori, Baines; Barry, Gueye; Lennon, Barkley, Bolasie; Lukaku
Key players
Southampton- Oriol Romeu
Ronald Koeman knows almost every Southampton player inside out and will be looking to control the midfield area in order to win the game. Gueye and Barry have formed a formidable partnership between themselves while Barkley is a big threat with his creativity and therefore, the Saints need Oriol Romeu, their midfield enforcer to have a solid game.
Everton- Idrissa Gueye
Gueye has been a key player for Everton this season with his dynamic game in the middle of the park. He has made a league-high 53 tackles in the top flight this season so far. However, his game is not just about tackling and interceptions but beyond that. The former Aston Villa player will be Everton’s big player against Southampton.
Odds
Southampton win @23/20
Draw @5/2
Everton win @9/4
