Premier League preview and odds: Everton vs Southampton

Published on: 01/01/2017

Premier League preview and odds: Everton vs Southampton

January 02, 2016 15:00pm - Goodison Park

Referee: K. Friend

Premier League

Everton`s hopes of a top-six finish seem to be fading but they are still favourites to finish as the best of the rest in the Premier League table. Also in contention for that tag are this week`s opponents Southampton, who will be looking to complete the double against old boss Ronald Koeman when they arrive at Goodison Park on Monday.

One defeat in last 11 at home for Everton

Everton`s 10-game unbeaten streak on home soil came to an end just before Christmas when they were beaten 1-0 by Liverpool in the Merseyside derby. Since then, the Toffees have won at Leicester City and drawn at Hull City and currently sit in seventh place in the Premier League table, nine points adrift of sixth-ranked Manchester United.

Despite their ranking in the table, Ronald Koeman`s men are actually closer to bottom-of-the-pile Hull City than they are to second-ranked Liverpool. A win on Monday would keep them ahead in the race for seventh place.

Meanwhile, ninth-ranked Southampton will be hoping to break a two-game losing streak when they make the trip north on Monday. The Saints were beaten at home by Tottenham Hotspur (1-4) and West Bromwich Albion (1-2) over the festive period and will be looking to start the New Year in a more positive fashion.

In their last away game, Claude Puel`s men notched up a 3-1 win at Bournemouth and will be looking for a similar performance on Monday. However, they have not won at Goodison Park since 1997.

Team news

The home side`s injury woes continue with Bryan Oviedo (knock), Maarten Stekelenburg (leg), James McCarthy (hamstring), Yannick Bolasie (knee), Arouna Kone (knee), Muhamed Besic (knee) and Matthew Pennington (thigh) all out injured.

Meanwhile, the visitors will also be hampered by injury with Jordy Clasie (hip), Charlie Austin (shoulder), Alex McCarthy (hamstring), Jake Hesketh (ankle), Matt Targett (hamstring) and Jeremy Pied (knee) all out of action, while Virgil van Dijk is suspended.

Recent form (League):

Everton: DWLWL

Southampton: LLWDW

Betting odds and tips

The Saints won by a single goal when the teams met at St.Mary`s back November and a similar result could be on the cards here. Seven of Everton`s nine home games have produced Under 2.5 Goals.

You can back Under 2.5 Goals at 4/6 with Bet365.

By Neil Morris

Published on: 01/01/2017

Any odds displayed within this preview were correct at the time of publishing (01/01/2017 16:04:10) but are subject to change.