Everton vs Southampton Preview: Team News & Prediction
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It will be an emotional afternoon at Goodison Park as Everton play their last ever men’s game at the famous old ground with the visitors being rock-bottom Southampton this weekend.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – TNT Sports / US – USA Network
How to watch online: UK – TNT Sports app / US – Telemundo
Everton preview: Overriding emotions
David Moyes’ second stint in charge of Everton has been a positive one as he steered the Toffees clear of the bottom three and the relegation places, into the middle-of-the-table. They now prepare for their final game at Goodison on the back of a win.
Going down to the capital city last weekend, Everton fell a goal behind to Fulham via Raul Jimenez before turning things around to run out as 3-1 winners thanks to strikes from Vitaly Mykolenko, Michael Keane and Beto.
Southampton preview: Saints avoid history
Southampton have been one of the worst teams in Premier League history this season but, under the management of Simon Rusk in his second stint in charge as interim coach this season, Saints have now avoided the dreaded 11-point tally.
They have moved a point clear of sharing the record lowest points tally alongside Derby County with a goalless draw against Manchester City at St Mary’s last weekend and performances have been much better under Rusk’s leadership.
Everton team news: O’Brien a doubt
It has been confirmed that Ireland international defender Jake O'Brien is once again fit this weekend after being unavailable last week due to a 'minor issue'. They have a few confirmed longer term absentees, though, such as James Tarkowski, Orel Mangala and Jesper Lindstrom.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Pickford; O'Brien, Keane, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Gueye, Garner; Harrison, Doucoure, Alcaraz; Beto
Unavailable: Tarkowski (Injured), Mangala (Injured), Lindstrom (Injured)
Questionable:
Southampton team news: Fully fit
It is a possibility that defender Kyle Walker-Peters, who is out of contract and expected to leave St Mary's this summer, could once again miss this weekend's clash due to illness. There are no other known injury concerns so they could name an unchanged eleven at Goodison Park.
Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Ramsdale; Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Stephens; Bree, Downes, Ugochukwu, Welington; Dibling, Fernandes; Sulemana
Unavailable:
Questionable: Walker-Peters (Illness)
Everton vs Southampton prediction
It is expected to be an emotional affair at Goodison Park this weekend as for the final time ever in men’s football, Everton will take to the pitch. The Toffees would want to finish the season with a flourish but even more so on such a special occasion. It is rare for Everton to ever rack up a score but up against such a poor, albeit improved, Southampton side, siding with a comfortable Everton win is the way to go for this one.
Everton vs Southampton tip: Everton to win -1 handicap
