Everton will host Southampton at Goodison Park on Saturday in a massive Premier League six-point match. Everton fans have planned a protest for the game, as the axe prepares to drop on Frank Lampard as manager.
Lampard is the bookmakers’ favourite to be the next Premier League manager sacked. The former Chelsea player and manager has struggled in a year as manager of the Merseyside club. He may have just one last chance to save his job this weekend.
#EVESOU 🔜— Everton (@Everton) January 12, 2023
#EVESOU 🔜
Southampton go into matchday No 19 in last place in the Premier League. Despite their poor league form, manager Nathan Jones led the Saints to back-to-back wins in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup.
On Wednesday night, Southampton shocked English football by dumping Manchester City out of the Carabao Cup with a 2-0 home win. Jones now needs the team to replicate their cup form in the Premier League.
The reverse fixture between Everton and Southampton ended 2-1 at St Mary’s as the Toffees came from a goal down to win the game. Southampton’s Joe Aribo opened the scoring on 49 minutes, but Everton’s Conor Coady scored three minutes later to equalise.
Dwight McNeil scored the winner on 54 minutes. The game saw four total yellow cards, with two cards being given out to both teams.
Southampton took zero points from the last six games in the league. They were outscored 14-4 in the six matches. Everton did little better by picking up two points from the last six matches with three goals scored and 12 conceded.
Everton’s Nathan Patterson is ruled out with a knee injury. Midfielder James Garner is also set to miss the game following a back injury. Defender Michael Keane will sit out the game with a knee injury.
Alex Iwobi is also expected to miss the match thanks to an ankle problem. Finally, Andros Townsend remains sidelined with a knee problem.
Jones has five players set to miss the game, with Theo Walcott out with a calf problem. Alex McCarthy is ruled out with an ankle injury. Goalkeeper Gavin Bazunu is likely to start after keeping a clean sheet in a fine performance against Man City.
Valentino Livramento and Armel Bella-Kotchap are both set to miss the game. Defender Lyanco should step in for Bella-Kotchap in the heart of defence. Juan Larios is also ruled out following a groin strain.
Everton picked up a 2-0 win earlier in the season at St Mary’s. The Toffees may not be playing well, but their squad is stronger than Southampton’s.
Everton should pick up a narrow win with one goal separating the teams. The game should end 2-1 in Everton’s favour.