Everton travel to the south coast to play Southampton on Saturday. The Toffees are coming off of a win in their last match against Bournemouth, 2-0. Marco Silva’s team has been inconsistent for much of the season and injuries can be blamed for some of the team’s poor form.
Everton are 11 points behind sixth place Arsenal and the final Europa League place. Southampton, on the other hand, have been much improved since the appointment of manager Ralph Hasenhuttl. The Saints are just one point outside of the relegation zone but they are undefeated in four of their last six games. Southampton won a tricky game away to Leicester last time around. Hasenhuttl will hope the team can put in another solid performance.
Southampton were knocked out of the FA Cup in midweek by Derby. The fixture went to penalties after finishing 120 minutes of play at 2-2. Hasenhuttl may have to change up his side due to the amount of football played over the last few weeks.
The Saints have obtained just eight points from 30 possible at home this term. They have recorded just one win in their last six games at St. Mary’s and their two most recent have ended in defeat. The team has scored just seven goals at home.
Everton haven’t been much better on their travels collecting nine points from 30 possible. Silva has watched his side post a –2-goal difference on their travels. The two Premier League rivals have already met twice this season in both the league and cup.
Everton were successful in the Premier League at Goodison Park, 2-1, before losing in the Carabao Cup on penalties. Everton have won just two of their last six games against Southampton, but of course, one of those losses came in the cup.
Fans should expect goals at St. Mary’s on Saturday. Five of the last six games between Southampton and Everton have seen two or more goals scored. In addition, there have been over 2.5 goals scored in Southampton's last four Premier League home games. Southampton’s defence has allowed at least two goals in that same time span.
Southampton are on the verge of their third consecutive home defeat within the same Premier League season for the first time since October 2001. Despite Everton still finding themselves under Silva, they will get the win over Southampton away. Goals will rain into the goal as recent fixtures prove these teams can score and concede in equal measure.