Friday, 26 February 2021

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

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