Southampton and Everton clash at St. Mary’s Stadium this Saturday, with both teams in need of vital Premier League points. Southampton are winless in nine league games, leaving them at the bottom of the table, while Everton have picked up form under Sean Dyche, staying unbeaten in their last five games.
The Saints will look to capitalise on Everton’s historically poor form at St. Mary’s, though Dyche’s Toffees did manage a win on their last visit.
Southampton’s Russell Martin remains committed to his possession-based style, though it has yet to translate to consistent league results.
Meanwhile, Everton’s pragmatism has made them effective against possession-dominant teams, setting up a potentially intriguing tactical battle today.
Russell Martin will aim to field a strong lineup, with Aaron Ramsdale likely in goal. The defensive line is expected to include Sugawara, Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, and Manning, while Walker-Peters could return after being rested midweek.
In midfield, Flynn Downes may return alongside Aribo and Mateus Fernandes, supporting an attack led by young talent Tyler Dibling and Jaden Archer, who both have shown promise this season. Will Smallbone and Ross Stewart remain sidelined with injuries.
Southampton’s current struggle for points adds pressure on their midfield and defensive core, who will need to manage Everton’s attacking threats.
With players like Sugawara and Harwood-Bellis, the Saints have potential, but they’ll need to remain organised to avoid costly lapses.
Ramsdale; Sugawara, Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Manning, Walker-Peters; Dibling, Aribo, Downes, Mateus Fernandes; Archer
Here is how the side last lined up
Everton Predicted Lineup
Everton have found stability in their lineup under Dyche, with Jordan Pickford a consistent choice in goal. The backline could see Ashley Young, James Tarkowski, Jarrad Branthwaite, and Vitaliy Mykolenko, though Dwight McNeil’s possible absence due to injury may force a reshuffle.
Midfield options include Idrissa Gueye and Doucoure, with Beto or Dominic Calvert-Lewin likely to lead the attack. Seamus Coleman and Nathan Patterson are expected to be available, providing Dyche with defensive flexibility.
Everton’s reliance on Calvert-Lewin’s hold-up play and the impact of Gueye’s defensive efforts will be crucial. Facing a team vulnerable to counter-attacks, the Toffees could find success with a structured, patient approach.
Pickford; Young, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Gueye, Doucoure; Harrison, Lindstrom, Ndiaye; Calvert-Lewin
Here is how the side last lined up
