Russell Martin’s long-term future at Southampton could hinge on his team’s result against Everton this weekend. The Saints sit bottom of the standings and have lost each of their last four. Positives could be taken from their change in formation last weekend after Martin reverted to a back five against Manchester City.
Defensively, the Saints and the deep-lying backline frustrated the champions, but they could also play through the lines, with Adam Lallana constantly being out-balled under pressure. Their only issue in the 5-4-1 this weekend may be their attacking output.
Martin will be forced to retain Lallana and Flynn Downes in the midfield this weekend, as Will Smallbone and Gavin Bazunu remain sidelined.
Everton are currently enjoying their longest unbeaten sequence under Sean Dyche after stretching their record to five matches without defeat when playing out a 1-1 draw against Fulham last Saturday.
The Toffees have been more possession focused against weaker opposition, evident after having over half the possession in a recent win over Ipswich. They have the players to keep hold of the ball in the middle of the field, with Abdoulaye Doucoure and Idrissa Gueye playing exceptionally well in the role against Fullham last weekend.
However, their attacking output this weekend will likely be negatively impacted in the absence of Dwight McNeil. The Toffees are currently underperforming from open play, netting six goals with an xG of 7.58. However, their best goal threats could come from set pieces, boasting an xG of 1.31 and scoring three times in 2024-25.
Southampton’s ultra defensive 5-4-1 formation has limited their attacking output already this season, but such is their need to avoid defeat, it is unlikely that Martin will change tactics.
Everton cruised to a 2-0 win against Ipswich in their last away match, and a repeat result and performance is a preferred betting choice this weekend.
The Toffees have an excellent defensive record, and their backline, featuring James Tarkowski and Michael Keane, will be able to comfortably deal with Cameron Archer as the lone striker, giving Dominic Calvert-Lewin the platform that he requires to score the decisive efforts. An alternative Southampton vs Everton prediction could be on the Toffees to win by a 2-0 scoreline.
Bet hereEverton’s attacking record from setpieces is indicated by the fact that they have an xG of 1.31, and have scored three times and registered eight shots.
Therefore, Michael Keane could be the outstanding value in the scorer market this weekend. The central defender has already netted twice this season, and is averaging 0.88 shots per 90 minutes.
His xG of 0.58 is being out-performed, meaning that he doesn’t require a second opportunity to take his effort in the final third.
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