Southampton entertain an Everton side sitting just three points behind the coveted champions League qualifying positions.
Everton are unbeaten in their last five away games and will prove to be a tough nut to crack if Southampton are to get anything from this game.
Southampton are on a reasonable run themselves having improved as the season has gone on with their players learning to adapt to the higher standard of play. 2 defeats in their last 12 matches shows how much better they are now doing after losing 8 from their first 10.
Having installed a new manager it will be interesting to see if there will be any tinkering with the team, though it is thought unlikely as Mauricio Pochettino has only had time for one training session with the players.
How the Southampton players react to the changes in management will possibly determine the way that this match is played. If they are affected adversely Everton are good enough to make them pay.
A little curiosity for the statasticians. Everton under Davis Moyes have never lost on January 21st. In the three matches played they have two victories and a draw.
Vital Quotes:
Saints Team News:
Southampton are without Jose Fonte (knee) and Adam Lallana (knee), whilst Emmanuel Mayuka is on duty in the African Nations cup.
Player to watch: Gaston Ramirez
Gaston may need to be at his very best if Saints are to unlock the Everton defensive wall.
Everton Team News:
Everton are missing Darron Gibson (thigh). Tony Hibbert (calf), and Kevin Mirallas (hamstring) are also doubtful for the Toffees.
Player to watch: Nikica Jelavic
Nikita scored a brace in the Goodison Park encounter which Everton won 3-1. He will be a key dangerman again.
Match Facts & Stats
Of the 43 games played, Saints have recorded 20 wins, and Everton have come away with 12 victories, with 11 games drawn. Saints have been unable to win against Everton in the last 6 meetings.
Ref Watch:
The referee will be Neil Swarbrick.
S Ledger and M Scholes assist
L Probert is 4th official
Match Prediction:
This ia a hard game to predict as it will depend a lot on how Saints players react to the change of manager. Would have gone for a 1-1 score before the change but now go 1-2.
Next Fixtures:
Sat 26th Jan
Bolton v Everton 3pm
Weds 30th Jan
Man Utd v Saints 8pm
