Everton vs Southampton: Preview

On Monday night Everton host Southampton as they look to achieve back to back victories in the Premier League for the first time since their triumphs over Arsenal and Sheffield United in December.

The Blues come into this one off the back of a historic win at Anfield last Saturday as they claimed their first victory away to Liverpool since 1999. It was their first win over their neighbours in any meeting since 2010.

Southampton are the most out of form side in the Premier League and are currently suffering heavily from injuries. So Everton should see this as a real opportunity to get back on track in the race for Europe this season. 

It’s a chance to build some much needed consistency that the side have been lacking over the last month or two. 

On too many occasions this season we’ve seen this team lose at home to weaker opposition, with Newcastle and Fulham being the latest to walk away from Goodison Park with three points.

I expect Everton to sit back somewhat and allow Southampton possession, then to hit on the counter and use the likes of James Rodríguez and Richarlison to create opportunities.

Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Allan are ‘definitely’ fit to start Monday’s clash with Southampton. 

The pair returned from injury in the Merseyside Derby on the weekend. Calvert-Lewin came off the bench for the final 30 minutes, whilst Allan was an unused substitute.

Yerry Mina is still unavailable. The manager revealing that the Colombian will be absent for at least two weeks.

Ancelotti has got the best out of these players against sides who look to control possession, as it allows the team to sit deep and play on the break.

Everton have struggled of late in games where they must take control of the game, often lacking any real cutting edge. However, Southampton’s possession based style should play right into their hands. 

I’d expect the midfield to have big role in the game, the turnover of possession from them will be crucial to getting the creative players on the ball. 

Ultimately, Everton’s quality in the final third should cause a lot of problems for an injury hit Southampton side, where the likes of Calvert-Lewin will find some real joy. 

Prediction - Everton 2-1 Southampton

Last 5 Meetings (PL):

• Southampton 2-0 Everton

• Everton 1-1 Southampton

• Southampton 1-2 Everton

• Southampton 2-1 Everton 

• Everton 2-1 Southampton

Liverpool 0-2 Everton: Player Ratings

Starting XI:

Jordan Pickford - 9

This was easily one of Jordan Pickford’s best performances in an Everton shirt. Exactly what we want to see from our goalkeeper, he was composed at the back and made some important saves when we needed him. He made two brilliant saves in each half to deny Henderson and Salah to secure a clean sheet. I said in the preview that this seemed a game where Pickford could put right some of his previous derby errors and he most certainly did that.

Mason Holgate - 8

I, like many others, have been critical of Holgate in recent weeks but he was back to his best in this one. Didn’t give Mané a sniff all game, he also kept his discipline and composure which has been one of his major issues of late. He was calm at the back and dealt with everything that came at him. He now needs to put in performances like this on a more regular basis.

Michael Keane - 9

The best of the back line in a game where they were all more or less faultless. I said before the game that the low block would allow Michael Keane to get back to his best and that’s exactly what he was. Strong and commanding, won everything in the air and on the ground, his recovery tackle on Mané in the second half was brilliant. He’s incredibly unlucky to just miss out on my Man of the Match.

Ben Godfrey - 8

Another great display from one of Everton’s most consistent players this season, always a physical presence and proved to be great in the air on a number of occasions to head the ball away from danger. He lost Mané once or twice at the start of the second half but overall another commanding performance from Godfrey. He also made an absolutely thunderous slide tackle in the second half on Shaqiri which encapsulated exactly what he’s all about.

Seamus Coleman - 8

I didn’t expect Coleman to play this game but he did and he proved exactly why the manager was right to pick him. He occupied a right-wing-back role and was tireless in his efforts both defensively and offensively. Didn’t look out of place at all when defending against Mané or Robertson. Had a header in the first half that he really should have scored to put us two goals up going into half-time. Nevertheless it was exactly the kind of performance we want to see from the captain and you can see just how much it meant to him to finally break the Anfield hoodoo.

Lucas Digne - 8

Not much else to say here other than it was another high quality display from one of the best left-backs in the league. Digne kept Salah quiet for the majority of the game and did well to cope with Alexander-Arnold’s overlapping runs down Everton’s left side. Put in an absolute beauty of a cross for Coleman’s header that deserved a goal in itself.

Tom Davies - 8

The resurgence of Tom Davies continues as he put in another great performance here. For the first time in his career so far Tom Davies went to Anfield and played the game rather than the occasion. Too times in the past we’ve seen Davies get caught up in the emotion of the derby and make rash decisions. The lack of fans in the ground no doubt helped him but, irrespective of that, he was yet another Everton player who put in a calm and composed performance. He also provided some much needed tenacity in the midfield to win the ball back. Played a pinpoint pass to Richarlison in the lead up to the penalty as well. 

Abdoulaye Doucouré - 7

Doucouré had a very shaky start to this game, his touch let him down on a number of occasions and he misplaced several passes that put us under pressure. However, he tightened up his passing in the second half and improved as the game went on. The energy he provided in the midfield was important to putting the Liverpool midfield under pressure and helping the team win the ball back. Ultimately, it won’t go down as one of his best games, but he certainly had an influence, as he always does.

André Gomes - 6

It was a mixed display from André in this one as he often kept the ball well and helped the team progress through the gears and up the pitch. However, he got caught on a number of occasions where he simply wanted to much time on the ball that Liverpool weren’t willing to allow him. It led to him giving away a number of fouls before ultimately being booked by referee Chris Kavanagh. At the risk of receiving a second yellow, Ancelotti hooked the Portuguese midfield after an hour.

James Rodríguez - 8

James’ performance was a difficult one to rate, it’s not really his type of game as we were looking to sit deep for the majority of the match. This does often mean he can’t impact the game in the way he normally would. Ultimately, though he showed his quality in the one chance he had, playing a perfectly weighted ball though to Richarlison for the first goal. He was also vigilant in defence and got stuck in where he could.

Richarlison - 9.5 (MOTM)

As far as I’m concerned Richarlison was the match winner. He took his goal brilliantly and the fact it was so early in the game gave us something to hold onto. It allowed the team to sit back and soak up Liverpool’s pressure before hitting them on the break. Richarlison terrorised the reds young centre back pairing for the entire game, he held the ball up and stretched their back 4 with some great runs in behind. He also played a huge role in the second goal as well, turning away from Phillips before playing an inch perfect pass to Calvert-Lewin to earn the penalty. He definitely looks back to his best of late and he’s my man of the match. 

Subs:

Gylfi Sigurdsson - 8

Came on for the last half an hour in place of Gomes. Kept things neat and tidy, retained possession well and was disciplined in defence to help the side keep their shape. It was a solid display from Gylfi but then he steps up with an ice cool moment to slot past Alisson from the penalty spot. He took one step and just rolled it past the keeper into the bottom left corner. It was a composed penalty in what was a high pressure moment. Ultimately, it made what could have been a very nervous final 10 minutes a comfortable task for the blues to see out the game.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin - 8

Another player who came on for the last half an hour and had a big impact on the game. After taking the lead, there were doubts as to whether DCL would be introduced at all but Ancelotti decided to bring him on alongside Richarlison and it paid dividends. He absolutely dominated the aerial battle with Kabak and Phillips from the minute he stepped on the pitch, serving as a great outlet when the ball was played long. Then to cap it off he charged upfield to get on the end of Richarlison’s pass before being brought down by Alexander-Arnold to earn the penalty that put Everton two goals to the good.

Alex Iwobi - N/A

Liverpool vs Everton: Starting XI Prediction

Formation: 4-3-3

Jordan Pickford (GK) - Probably one of the most contentious choices in this starting XI, with the majority of Evertonians being pretty evenly split between him and Robin Olsen. Though, given his recent return to the starting lineup (all be it in not especially convincing fashion) and Olsen’s tricky spell between the sticks that saw him concede 9 goals in three games. I’d expect Pickford to keep his place in this one. It’s a game that he should really have a point to prove considering the events of the last derby game where he didn’t exactly cover himself in glory. 

Mason Holgate (RB) - Another of the potentially controversial selections in this side, with many fans suggesting the Seamus Coleman could start this game. Holgate has certainly struggled of late, he has looked increasingly uncomfortable at right back which of course isn’t  his natural position. However, I’m going to stick with him in this one because I believe that, despite his frailties as a right back and occasional issues with temperament, he will make the team a more solid defensive unit in the low block we will no doubt look to play. A role that is less suited to the more attack minded Coleman.

Ben Godfrey (CB) - A permanent fixture of the Everton starting XI now, Godfrey has to be a part of this side whether it’s in either fullback position or in the centre of defence. Given Mina’s absence I think Godfrey will move into his place, there is an argument to suggest the Holgate could play centre back and Godfrey at right back but I’m going to go with Godfrey here because he is simply a more solid defender and I have no issues with him starting in the middle on Saturday. His pace will no doubt be key to keeping the likes of Mané and Salah quiet.

Michael Keane (CB) - He’s our first choice centre half, he’s definitely going to play. Suited more to a low block so I think we’ll see the best of him in this game. He’s had a couple of pretty disappointing displays over the last month but he’s still had a brilliant season this year and has cemented himself in our back line. Scored against Liverpool in October and will no doubt be a threat from set pieces.

Lucas Digne (LB) - One of the best left-backs in the Premier League and will get to test himself against one of his closest competitors in Andy Robertson. His crossing ability and creativity will again be vital if we are to get anything from this game. He got an Assist for Calvert-Lewin’s equaliser in October and will need to serve up more of the same this weekend.

Tom Davies (CM) - If you’d have told me two months ago that I’d be predicting Tom Davies to start away at Anfield when Everton have a near fully fit squad available I’d have laughed you out of the room. But, Davies has earned his place in the absence of Allan, and since that day he hasn’t looked back. He certainly hasn’t been perfect but he’s been exactly what we needed him to be, calm and solid sitting in front of the back four to provide some defensive solidity. Let’s hope for more of the same.

Allan (CM) - Set to return after two months out with a hamstring injury, the Brazilian will be a welcome sight back in that Everton midfield. With Tom Davies occupying the defensive midfield role, this could free up Allan to play slightly higher where he can use his tenacity and energy to pressure the Liverpool midfield higher up the pitch.

Abdoulaye Doucoure (CM) - Probably the player who will prove most important in this game is Abdoulaye Doucoure, his pace and power will be absolutely vital to the way the side transitions from defence to attack. It will be his responsibility to get up and support the attacks of the front three in his typical box to box role. If he isn’t able to link up with the front 3, we won’t cause Liverpool many problems at all but if he can then we’ll certainly be a threat on the break.

James Rodríguez (RW) - James is always a difficult player to consider when picking a starting XI, on the one hand he does have a tendency to switch off and vacate his defensive responsibilities but on the other he just has so much quality on the ball that he can create a goal out of nowhere. I’m going to say he starts though as I believe we’ve got enough defensive minded players on the pitch to compensate for the occasions he may leave us exposed. Because he is such a creative outlet for us that he just absolutely has to play.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin (ST) - DCL goes straight back in, absolutely no doubts about it. If he’s fit, he starts. Our best goal scorer by a mile, he’s got that clinical edge that a lot of our players seem to struggle with, he only needs one chance to score a goal. And in a game where chances on goal will most likely be at a premium, he will need to bring that clinical edge he’s shown this season.

Richarlison (LW) - After playing up front for the last two games in the absence of DCL, I’m going to move Richarlison back out to the wing. He’s struggled for a large part of the season but looks to be slowly finding his way back to his best, the goals he’s scored against Tottenham and Manchester City will hopefully give him the boost in confidence he needs to kick on and get back to the high standards we know he can produce. He’ll certainly need to reach them if we’re to get a result at Anfield.

Liverpool vs Everton: Preview

This Saturday Everton travel to Anfield, once again hoping to end their wretched run of results away to their local rivals, having not won across Stanley Park for 21 years.

Now, what can the Blues do to try and claim their first victory away to Liverpool since Kevin Campbell’s strike in that 1-0 victory all the way back in 1999?

For the majority of this season, Everton have played for points not plaudits. Ancelotti has built a resilience and strong defensive unit amongst this Everton team that has made them so difficult to break down. 

However, they’ve also retained a clinical edge up top to make the most of the limited chances they have and secure vital results. 

This is thanks greatly in part to the form of striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin, whose current 18 goal campaign is the best of his career to date.

Ancelotti has confirmed that Calvert-Lewin should be fit to start after missing Everton’s last two home defeats to Fulham (0-2) and Manchester City (1-3). 

The manager has also confirmed that Allan, who hasn’t played since the 2-0 victory over Leicester in mid-December, is also in contention to start. 

Yerry Mina will miss out however, after picking up an injury in Wednesday’s defeat to run away leaders Manchester City.

Nonetheless, the return of these two will be a huge boost to the side. Calvert-Lewin provides a huge goal threat that side lack when he isn’t there, whilst Allan will return with some much needed energy and tenacity in the midfield.

Everton will no doubt set up in a low block and hit Liverpool on the counter as they so often have in games against opposition that will look to control the ball. Especially given the way Liverpool have struggled against sides who play a low block this season, Everton will no doubt look to exploit this as the likes of Burnley & Brighton have. 

The team will have to keep their shape and defensive discipline for the entire 90 minutes if they are to keep Liverpool out. 

The pace of Richarlison and Dominic Calvert-Lewin on the counter attack will be vital as will the explosive running of Abdoulaye Doucoure from midfield to transition from defence to attack. 

Everton will have to get the balance right if they are to leave Anfield with the 3 points and it’s a challenge they’ll certainly have to be up for to avoid a third defeat in a row.

Prediction - Liverpool 1-1 Everton 

Last 5 Meetings (PL):

• Everton 2-2 Liverpool

• Everton 0-0 Liverpool

• Liverpool 5-2 Everton

• Everton 0-0 Liverpool

• Liverpool 1-0 Everton