Southampton are not in their best form at all but will be keen to start the New Year 2017 on a winning note. They will be up against their former manager Ronald Koeman who is now in charge of Everton. None of the two teams have been consistent this season. Both started this season as Europa League aspirants but are already behind the top six sides.
Koeman did not have a happy homecoming with Everton in the reverse fixture which ended 1-0 in favour of the Saints thanks to a Charlie Austin strike and will be keen to get one over his former employers this time out.
Southampton have lost two games on the bounce. They lost 4-1 to Spurs on 28th December and followed up with a poor showing against West Brom as the game ended 2-1 against them.
Everton, on the other hand, are experiencing an up and down form. They managed 8 points from a possible 18 in the 6 games played in December. They lost 2 games, won 2 games and drew 2.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 Southampton Lineup Vs Everton
Defence
Fraser Forster will certainly keep his place under the bar. Cedric Soares will keep his place a right-back ahead of Cuco Martina. Ryan Bertrand will keep his place in the other full-back position.
At centre-back, Southampton will miss their key defender Virgil van Dijk through a red card suspension and his absence could prove to be costly.
Maya Yoshida will slot into the Dutchman’s place alongside skipper Jose Fonte. Stopping Lukaku will be high on the agenda as he can hurt ay defence when on form.
