Verdict: Under 2.5 goals
Best Odds: 4/6
Bookmaker: Bet365
Looking to bounce back after their humiliating 5-1 loss in the Europa League in midweek, David Unsworth will once again take charge of an Everton side who are still seeking a permanent replacement for Ronald Koeman. The Toffees will make the journey down the South Coast to meet a Southampton side with only one win since the middle of September.
Southampton
After suffering a 3-0 defeat away at Anfield last weekend, Saints boss Mauricio Pellegrino is the latest Premier League manager facing intense scrutiny over his position. Currently sat 14th in the table, the South Coast club have been a team in freefall since the end of September, picking up a 1-0 win over West Brom last month, that is Southampton’s only win in their last seven attempts. Even more worrying for Pellegrino’s side, they remain only three points above the drop zone.
For the struggling Saints, their problems this season are epitomised by their issues in front of goal. With Irish international forward Shane Long now going more than 30 games for club and country without finding the back of the net, Southampton are a side in desperate need of goals. Averaging under a goal a game, their nine goals in 13 appearances is the fourth worst record in the entire division this year. Already this season, Southampton have failed to score against the likes of Swansea, Wolves, Huddersfield, Watford, and Burnley.
Team News
The Southampton boss will be unable to call upon midfielder Oriol Romeu for Sunday’s match, after picking up five yellow cards this year, the 26-year-old will be serving a suspension.
The Saints will be hoping that former Juventus man Mario Lemina will be passed fit to return. The winger has missed the last month after suffering an ankle injury.
Everton
Still without a permanent replacement for Ronald Koeman announced, caretaker boss David Unsworth will continue in the Toffees dugout. Arguably the Premier League’s most disappointing team this year, the blues problems continued in midweek. Suffering an embarrassing 5-1 loss at the hands of Atalanta in the Europa League, meaning Everton still remain without a single win in Groupe E, having played 5 and lost four of those games.
In terms of their form domestically, Everton have shown no real signs of improvement since sacking Koeman last month. Currently sat 16th in the league, the Toffees are a single point behind their hosts on Sunday. Looking down the table though, Unsworth’s side will know they’re still flirting with the drop zone and are only two off relegation. With only one win in their last 11 appearances, stemming back to the end of September, Unsworth will be desperate for his big money signings to step up before a busy Christmas period. After Sunday’s trip to the East Coast, Everton will face West Ham and Huddersfield, two must-win games for the blues.
Team News
After becoming the first Premier League player to be handed a suspension for diving, Everton’s top scorer Oumar Niasse will serve the first of his two-game ban.
Everton also look set to be without two of their key men, Phil Jagielka has picked up a groin injury which leaves him doubtful for Sunday’s six-pointer, while former Manchester United midfielder Morgan Schneiderlin picked up a toe injury in midweek and could also miss out. Despite resuming training, both Ross Barkley and Yannick Bolasie are still not fit enough to take part.
Key Factors to Consider
- Everton have won just one of their last eight games away to Southampton (D3, L4)
- They have failed to score in eight of their last 12 Premier League visits to face Southampton, including four of the last five
- Saints have failed to score in their last two games and did not even register a shot on target against Liverpool last weekend
- The Toffees are currently winless in 14 away Premier League games
- Southampton haven’t scored in 10 of their Premier League home games so far in 2017
Conclusion
It has all the makings of a low scoring game on paper. Given both sides struggles in the final third, coupled with top scorer Oumar Niasse being suspended, it is hard to see either side creating many opportunities. Everton on their travels away from Goodison in 2017 have failed to win in their last 14 attempts and have always had a tendency to struggle at St. Mary’s, backing a bet of under 2.5 goals here seems like the most logical outcome on Sunday afternoon.
Verdict: Under 2.5 goals
Best Odds: 4/6
Bookmaker: Bet365
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