Carlo Ancelotti’s time at Goodison Park was brief before he hightailed it back to Madrid in the offseason. Now, former Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez is tasked with improving Everton and making them far more consistent than last term.
Although fans were not supportive of the hiring, for obvious reasons, Benitez’s arrival feels like a step sideways. His time at Newcastle United was blah despite keeping the team in the league. Benitez may be a Champions League winner, but his tactics seem outdated in 2021.
🔜 @premierleague Full focus on #EVESOU 👊— Everton (@Everton) August 12, 2021
🔜 @premierleague Full focus on #EVESOU 👊
First up for Everton are Southampton, who look like a club going backwards. The Saints sold Danny Ings to Aston Villa last week and replaced him with Adam Armstrong from Blackburn.
While Armstrong looks like a good like for like replacement thanks to his 29 goals in 43 matches for Rovers last season, the former Newcastle player is taking a big step up. He will be tasked with scoring the lion’s share of goals at St. Mary’s.
Southampton have not won at Goodison Park in over 20 years. They are on an incredible winless streak on Merseyside versus Everton. Last season, the Toffees claimed a 1-0 home win against Southampton thanks to a goal from Richarlison in the ninth minute.
The Brazil will not play at the weekend, however. He just finished his time with Brazil at the Olympics. Dominic Calvert-Lewin is a doubt to play due to a toe injury. Andre Gomes and Moise Kean, who will be given a chance after last season’s performance at PSG, are also doubts.
Ralph Hasenhuttl received good news that James Ward-Prowess is fit to play. He is linked with a transfer away from St. Mary’s, however. If Southampton sell any more players, they will certainly be staring relegsation to the Championship in the face.
Southampton sold Jannick Vestergaard this week to Leicester City. The centre-back was headed into the final year of the contract and the club had to act to make money.
Even with Vestergaard, Southampton conceded the league’s second-most goals last season with 68. Long-term absentees William Smallbone and Sam McQueen are both ruled out of the game as well.
The home team won both matches last term and that trend should continue this weekend. Everton will get off to a good start under Benitez against a relegation candidate. On opening day at Goodison Park, expect both sides to score as the Toffees take three points.