This is to be yet another televised Premier League (PL) clash between the two sides which could push the Saints back towards the brink after a vital 2-1 south coast derby win over Bournemouth last weekend.
By contrast, a victory for Southampton would mark the club’s first league double over Everton since 1997/’98. It was that season which saw Everton vs Southampton become a frequently-televised PL fixture, and to date, the two sides have played each other 13 times on live TV. The record in these matches is perfectly equal, with five wins each and three draws.
As it proved to be for Southampton in November’s 4-1 win over Everton, scoring first could be of utmost importance for either side. The last time either side won after conceding first was back in September 2012, in a 3-1 win for Everton, with Southampton never beating the Toffees in the PL after conceding first.
This will be 20th occasion that Sam Allardyce and Mark Hughes have done battle on the touchline. Since their first PL clash in September 2004, the historical advantage is with Southampton boss Hughes, who boasts a record of: W8, D7, L4, against Allardyce as a manager – including a current run of just one defeat in seven.
Players to watch: In last weekend’s 2-0 win at Huddersfield, midfielder Idrissa Gueye (EVE) scored his first goal since December 30, but must improve on a shot accuracy rate of 38%.
The Dusan Tadic that once rocked the PL was back, with a double in Southampton’s win last weekend. He now has seven goals from 21 games this season.
Stat attack: This will be the 98th meeting of the sides in the entire history of this fixture. Everton have a clear advantage in historical terms, having won 47 of the 97 encounters to date.
Is a landslide likely? Winning margins of three or more goals have been produced in four of the last nine encounters between the sides.
predictions
Everton +0.25
