England Premier League
Saturday 14th January 2023
Kick off at 3pm GMT
Venue: Goodison Park
Match Preview:
Frank Lampard is walking on thin ice and many believe that if Everton were to lose this game that the former Chelsea great would be sacked as he approaches one year in the job. Many also believed that Lampard was a goner if Everton lost against Manchester United in the FA Cup last week- they did and he stayed. This seems to be down to the performance that the club gave away to United and even though they lost the game 3-1 they showed fight and passion and were very unlucky not to force the draw at least.
However a good performance can only get you so far if you keep losing games and this has become a must win for the club. Everton come into this battle in the bottom three but a win at home could see them climb 4-5 places that is how tight it is at the moment. But with Southampton at the foot of the table this is what increases the pressure on Everton to win. Current form makes nightmare reading for any fan and the Toffees have collected just 1 point from their last 15 on offer ironically that came away against Manchester City. At home Everton has lost 5 from 9 games played with their last win coming back in October against Crystal Palace but worryingly Lampard’s side has lost their last 3 games here.
Southampton have been poor this season and are in last place in the league but for now they will be on cloud nine. The Saints pulled off one of the shocks of the season to knock out Manchester City 2-0 in the EFL Cup and one has to assume that they will carry with them that feel good factor coming into this huge game for them. The Saints have lost their last 7 games and we would have to go back to October for their last victory in the league which came against Bournemouth and that was away.
Overall Southampton’s away form reads seven defeats and two wins and they have scored just six times and are almost shipping on average 2 goals per game. Victory here would still see the Saints in the bottom three but they could go past Wolves and leap off of the bottom.
Team News:
Everton: Alex Iwobi is out for at least 3 weeks due to his ankle injury suffered in the FA Cup. Michael Keane remains a doubt with his knee, Nathan Patterson is a big blow and he could miss the next five weeks with a knee injury. Andros Townsend is not due back for another three weeks with the same problem. James Garner remains sidelined with a back injury.
Southampton: Stuart Armstrong is out with his groin, Armel Bella Kotchap is out for 3 weeks due to a knee injury. Alex McCarthy could return from his ankle injury but will be assessed first as will Theo Walcott with his calf. Juan Larios and Valentino Livramento remain out long term.
Everton vs Southampton Head to Head:
Last season Everton won this fixture 3-1.
Earlier in the season in the reverse fixture Everton won 2-1.
Southampton have not beaten Everton away from home in 26 years.
There is a 70% chance to see both teams to score.
Everton vs Southampton Prediction:
Everton will need to summon some of the great vibes from the back end of last season when the fans really got behind them and gave them the extra push. This is a huge game even if we are just half way into the season because it’s a real classic six pointer and it will tell us where Everton are at if they can’t beat the team in last place at home. Everton has a very strong record at home to the Saints but they will need to start this game on the front foot and really boss it, the worry will be if the away side take the lead.
For Southampton they will want the good vibes to continue after their fantastic victory over Manchester City and all of the pressure will be on their opponents, but they have been so poor this season it feels like a stretch for them to start winning games on the road, but with Everton's recent form there is always the possibility Southampton could come away with something from this encounter.
Everton vs Southampton Betting Tips:
Asian handicap (+0.5 Southampton) at 1.70
Anytime goalscorer: Dominic Calvert-Lewin at 2.75
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