---
title: "Southampton v Everton- Match preview"
canonical: "https://readsouthampton.com/2015/08/14/southampton-v-everton-match-preview/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Daniel Emery"
section: "Reports/Previews"
published: "2015-08-14T10:25:00Z"
modified: "2015-08-14T12:36:59Z"
---

# Southampton v Everton- Match preview

St. Mary’s has not been a happy hunting ground for Everton in the recent past. They have failed to win, or even score, away in Southampton since the Saints’ return to the Premier League in 2012.

Their past two visits have seen the Toffees concede five – with three of these being own goals. Alvaro Alcaraz and Seamus Coleman were the sole contributors to a 2-0 Southampton win in the 2013/14 season.

A year later Romelu Lukaku turned into his own net to start a 3-0 dispatching of the Merseyside club with Tim Howard most probably sick of the sight of his team-mates by this point.

***Players to watch out for-***

***Romelu Lukaku-***

*Romelu Lukaku is a player that will certainly be a handful come Saturday lunch time when Saints host Everton. The 6ft 3 inch striker from Belgium has proven himself to be a powerful Premier League striker in recent years with some very consistent goal scoring records. He has scored 10 or more Premier League goals in each of the last three seasons for West Brom and Everton. He scored 32 goals in his first two seasons, 17 on loan and West Brom and 15 on loan at Everton. However, after he made the permanent switch from Chelsea, his record dropped to 10 goals last season. To have scored 42 Premier League goals and have 37 caps for the Belgium national team is some achievement for 22 year old. His strength and pace will cause Saints trouble and if he is on his game, he can be unplayable. Fonte and whoever is partnering him at the back are going to be praying that Saturday is not his day.*

**Ross Barkley-**

*Ross Barkley is one of England’s most promising young stars at the moment and at just 21 years of age, has 77 Premier League appearances to his name, along with 12 caps for England. He has scored 9 Premier League goals, including a fine strike from the edge of the area last week when they faced Watford in what finished as a 2-2 draw. The attacking midfielder will sit in that hole between the Saints midfield and defence and look to pick up the ball in those pockets and harm them. Wanyama/Davis will need to keep a close eye on him and close down quickly to prevent him getting into positions where he can create or get shots off. His long range shooting ability is something Stekelenberg will be well aware of by game time. The Dutch international is going to have to be ready and prepared for shots from Barkley from distance to make sure he isn’t caught out by surprise.*

***J****ohn Stones-***

*John Stones may only have 45 Premier League appearances to his name at 21 years of age- however he plays like he has played 450. His composure and assured performances at the back have made him a potential target for Premier League champions Chelsea. The London club have reportedly been considering a third bid for the defender after having two bids reportedly knocked back. The third bid is thought to be in the region of £30m. That fee alone tells you how highly he is rated. He may be inexperienced, however, he certainly does not show it and the Saints strike force will have to be on top form to be able to get past the ball playing central defender.*

***Head to head stats-***

The last six meetings between the sides in the Premier League have heralded 3 Everton wins, 2 Southampton wins and one draw. With Southampton’s two wins coming in the last three meetings.

***Predicted Southampton line up-*** Stekelenberg; Cedric, Fonte, Yoshida, Targett, Wanyama, Davis, Long, Mane, Tadic, Pelle.

***Predicted Everton line up-*** Howard; Coleman, Jagielka, Stones, Galloway, Barry, McCarthy, Cleverley, Barkley, Naismith, Lukaku.

**Prediction-**

It’s going to be tight but I’m leaning towards Southampton for this one. Both sides drew 2-2 on the opening day to Watford and Newcastle respectively and both will be looking to get their first wins of the season. I think home advantage will play a part and Southampton will nick a 2-1 win.