Southampton vs Everton Preview, Prediction, Team News and Predicted Lineups

With two of the Premier League’s early strugglers facing off this weekend, here’s our Southampton Vs Everton preview, prediction, team news and predicted lineups ahead of Saturday’s vital clash at St. Mary’s

Southampton vs Everton Preview

Despite picking up just one point from their first nine games, Russell Martin’s Southampton have made it through the the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.

They dispatched Championship outfit Stoke City in midweek, having overcome this weekend’s opponents Everton in the previous round.

Southampton fans were reeling as they watched their side cough up their second 2-0 home lead in a week following last weekend’s capitulation against Leicester City.

But a long-range effort from fullback James Bree – his second of the competition – ensured the Saints went marching into the last eight.

And while they have failed to win in the league, there have been glimmers of hope. A very respectable performance in defeat at the Etihad saw them lose only 1-0 to Manchester City when most expected a massacre.

But three points are absolutely essential on Saturday when the Toffees come to town.

Everton have also struggled in the early part of the season, but have two wins and nine points on the board.

Currently sat 16th in the table, Sean Dyche’s side will remain above the drop zone regardless of the result this weekend.

But Everton’s woeful away record in recent years includes St Mary’s. Despite winning their last game here in 2022/23, they have still lost seven of their last 10 trips to the south coast side.

With form improving, Everton are now unbeaten in five, last tasting defeat away at high-flying Aston Villa in September.

A win will almost certainly not be enough to lift the Toffees into the top half, due to their poor goal difference, but it could help them build momentum and drag themselves away from a relegation scrap.

Southampton Vs Everton Team News

Yukinari Sugawara shook off a knock to feature for Saints against Stoke, while Flynn Downes was not risked but should slot back in on Saturday.

Youngster Tyler Dibling is having his minutes managed strictly by Russell Martin. The teenager has been a shining light for Southampton, despite their awful results.

Having been rested for the cup, he is expected to start against Everton. Fullback Kyle Walker-Peters may also be brought back in, while Ross Stewart and Will Smallbone remain out.

For Everton, Jarrad Branthwaite should make his long-awaited return to the starting lineup. Dyche opted for Michael Keane last time out, but will probably start Branthwaite for such an important fixture.

Dwight McNeil is a doubt after hobbling off against Fulham, while Dominic Calvert-Lewin should keep his place up front ahead of Beto.

Former Saint, Armando Broja, is still not ready for his Everton debut, and joins James Garner and Tim Iroegbunam on the sidelines.

Southampton Vs Everton Predicted Lineups

Southampton Lineup (4-3-3):

Ramsdale; Sugawara, Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Bree; Downes, Lallana, Fernandes; Dibling, Armstrong, Archer

Everton Lineup (4-2-3-1):

Pickford; Young, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Gueye, Doucoure; Harrison, Lindstrom, Ndiaye; Calvert-Lewin

Southampton Vs Everton Prediction

Neither side has been in great form this season. But while Everton have been improving, they have still struggled on the road.

Southampton are approaching a do-or-die stage of the season already, and are in desperate need of a win.

For that reason, we can see Saints taking an early lead, before Everton earning a point late on in the match.

Prediction: Southampton 2-2 Everton