Everton came away with a disappointing 2-2 draw to open the Premier League season against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Southampton also experienced a draw to start the campaign. However, the Saints nil-nil draw was not as exciting as Everton’s late game crumble against Wolves.
Saturday’s fixture will see Everton host Southampton at Goodison as they both look for wins. Everton have made several changes this season, most notably manager Marco Silva. The Portuguese manager’s team looked good in spells a week ago.
Richarlison was Everton’s most exciting player as the Brazilian starred with two goals in 85 minutes. Despite limping off with an injury, Richarlison is expected to play on Saturday. He brings a dynamic presence to Everton’s team that wasn’t there previously.
Southampton’s draw with Burnley was disappointing. The style in which the team drew made many feel like this season will be another hard slog at the bottom of the table. Southampton managed 18 shots but just three were on target. The Saints had just 48 percent of the possession and allowed Burnley to control much of the match.
Manager Mark Hughes made several signings in the final days of the transfer window. The most exciting signing was Danny Ings. The on-loan Liverpool striker has shown in the past he can score goals. However, he has only played a total of 25 games over the last three seasons. If Ings can find form, he may be the man to keep Southampton away from relegation danger this term.
The last six meetings between Everton and Southampton have been split. Everton have won twice while Southampton have picked up two victories. The sides have also drawn twice. Everton have been dominant in their last 12 matches against Southampton at Goodison. The Toffees are undefeated during that time period. In two of their last three meetings at Goodison, the fixtures have ended 1-1.
Hughes deployed a three-man defence against Burnley a week ago. Everton were able to cut through Wolves’ three-man backline in their opening match. Three defenders could give Richarlison plenty of room to attack goal just like he did in the team’s opener.
Southampton have no injury or suspension worries going into the second match of the season. The same cannot be said for Everton. While it is expected that Richarlison will start, James McCarthy is out with a leg injury. In addition, Phil Jagielka is suspended after picking up a straight red card against Wolverhampton last weekend.
Neither Everton nor Southampton have found form yet. Both clubs are still getting their feet under them and due to this, Saturday’s fixture could finish in a draw.