The Saints host the Toffees in Sunday's first featured game at the St. Mary's Stadium. In their most recent league games, both teams were involved in stalemates. As a result, we expect them to both teams to go for the win in this highly-anticipated encounter.
Everton possesses a slightly better head-to-head record over Southampton over the last seventeen games. They have managed seven wins compared to the Saints' six, with four games ending in stalemates. It is also to be noted that Ancelotti hasn't lost to Hasenhuttl in all three meetings between them. The most recent game between both sides ended in a 1-1 draw. The Everton faithful will certainly hope their team can get this win to maintain their spot atop the table.
Saints' managing to weather the storm
Hasenhuttl and his troops didn't start on the 2020/21 season on the right foot. The Saints lost their first three games of the season- two in the league and one in the EFL Cup. However, they seem to have dealt with the situation with the side heading into this game unbeaten in three games. Clean sheet victories against Burnley and West Brom served as confidence-boosting wins to prepare them for a tough trip to Stamford Bridge. Goals from Ings and Adams brought them level cancelling out Timo Werner's early brace. They were level for only two minutes as Chelsea once again took the lead via Havertz. The Saints persevered and were duly awarded in the dying minutes of the game as Vestergaard headed in to get a point for his side.
Everton still atop the table
The Toffees have arguably been the most exciting team to watch since the launch of the new campaign. Before their previous game, they were on impressive run seven straight wins in all competitions- four in the league. However, they faced a tough test against their local rivals who are also known as the defending champions.
Sadio Mane put the Red side of Merseyside in front with just three minutes of play gone. 16 minutes later, the Blues levelled matters as Michael Keane headed in from James' cross. Salah fired them in front, once again, with just 18 minutes of play left. Up steps, Calver-Lewin with his sixth goal of the season as Everton were once again level. Henderson thought he has secured the three points for his side but his late strike was chopped out by VAR as Sadio Mane was ruled offside.
Everton vs Southampton Team News
James and Seamus Coleman has been added to Ancelotti's long injury list with the duo picking up knocks against Liverpool. Richarlison is ruled out for this tie following his sending off last time out. With regards to the away side, Walcott is unavailable for this side following the Parent club rule. Djenepo is also ruled out of this one via a thigh injury.
Southampton possible starting XI:
McCarthy; Walker-Peters, Vestergaard, Bednarek; Bertrand; Walcott, Ward-Prowse, Romeu, Redmond; Ings, Adams
Everton possible starting XI:
Pickford; Kenny, Mina, Keane, Digne; Allan, Doucoure, Gomes; Bernard, Sigurdsson, Calvert-Lewin
Southampton vs Everton Prediction: 1-1
Southampton will be brimming with confidence as they welcome the league leaders following that comeback performance last time out. For the away side, they're not expected to be as strong as they would in front of the opposition's goal given the absence of Richarlison and James. As a result, they would need a resolute defensive performance if they're to get three points this weekend.