Southampton vs Everton

Lyndon Lloyd , 19 January, 69comments | Jump to most recent

Match Preview

After Swansea City's stubborn performance at Goodison Park further emphasised how a lack of depth in David Moyes's squad could prove to be the key factor that denies Everton their Champions League dream, the Blues' quest for Europe moves to the south coast on Monday... weather permitting, of course.

In their infinite wisdom, Sky Sports selected Southampton as a Monday-night destination for Everton's supporters and the blanket of snow that will cover most of England this weekend will further complicate the logistics for those fans making the trek down from Merseyside on a weekday evening. Even so, it would surprise no-one connected with the Club that the Blues have sold out their allocation at the St Mary's Stadium.

The distance notwithstanding, it's fair to say that earlier in the season this fixture might have looked more routine for Everton than it does so now. Shipping goals and languishing at the bottom of the table, Southampton appeared to be cannon fodder for the better teams and odds on to go back straight back to the Championship at the earliest opportunity.

Now sitting in 15th and, thanks to a highly fortuitous win at Aston Villa last weekend and a dramatic draw at Chelsea in midweek, three points above the the drop zone, the Saints look highly capable of staying in the top flight this season after all. Whether they do, though, will depend not on the continuing work of Nigel Adkins but on the unfamiliar managerial talents of Mauricio Pochettino.

Despite back-to-back promotions and growing stability in the Premier League, Adkins was sacked as manager at the St Mary's on Friday and replaced by Argentine Pochettino, the former manager of Espanyol and player hitherto known only to most fans in England as the man over whose leg Michael Owen "fell" in the 2002 World Cup to earn the decisive penalty in a 1-0 win.

Whether this sudden managerial change will disrupt Southampton's fragile momentum or serve to galvanise them further remains to be seen. As the latest odds at https://sports.bwin.com/en/sports/4/betting/football show, the Saints remain the underdogs even though they have lost just one in six in the League at home since losing 2-1 to Spurs in October.

Everton's goal, however, remains unchanged regardless: three points secured in the most efficient manner possible.

The goalless draw against the Swans, the first time the Blues had been held scoreless since the 1st of September, was another source of frustration for a team that has been struggling to get the goals their performances have merited this season.

Key man Darron Gibson will again be missing from central midfield and attacking livewire Kevin Mirallas is unlikely to be risked as he makes his way back to fitness so Moyes is unlikely to make many — if any — changes to the team that started last Saturday.

That would mean veteran Phil Neville continuing in central midfield with the debate over his effectiveness having again came into sharp focus given his apparently less-than-effective showing last weekend. The debate over whether he offers more stability and ball-retention than Thomas Hitzlsperger continues but the Skipper is likely to start at the St Mary's alongside Leon Osman.

With Chelsea and Arsenal (three points behind the Blues) facing off this weekend at Stamford Bridge and Tottenham (three points ahead) hosting Manchester United, victory for Everton could significantly enhance their prospects in the Champions League race. Certainly, this is the sort of fixture that the Blues should be winning if they are to be a top-four team and, given the Saints' leaky defence (new signing and ex-Everton target Vegard Forren may make his debut), they should get ample opportunity to do so and notch what would be a fourth successive away win in all competitions.

Lyndon Lloyd

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Why Three Points on Monday Night Are a Must

Reader Comments (69)

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Steavey Buckley
1 Posted 18/01/2013 at 20:55:58

Good time to be playing Southampton after they sacked their manager, Nigel Adkins. Southampton players on show next Monday night will be on trial, and so will their new manager, what's his name. From Argentine. Never played in England nor managed here. And he has to show that he can done better than Adkins did against Chelsea, drawing 2:2. Welcome to the new reality of EPL football, where having fantastic technical skills are not enough. It's hard and tough, and that is just the mental side of EPL football. So a nervy manager and players await Everton. 3 points, please Everton. Do not make Tuesday that Monday after feeling.

Andy Meighan
2 Posted 18/01/2013 at 21:05:25

After the last two results, I suppose they might have fancied this as well as we're playing. Now, I'm not so sure... the bizarre sacking of Adkins is bound to have an effect on a lot of Southampton's players who will probably feel like they're on trial. I fancied us anyway; I do even more now. Question is: will it be on with this treacherous weather causing havoc?!?

Steve Edwards
3 Posted 19/01/2013 at 00:10:15

Ever heard the one about players trying extra hard to impress new manager? One of the reasons a new manager is brought in is to boost results and it usually works so watch out. This could be a double edged sword.

Jim Knightley
4 Posted 19/01/2013 at 00:36:41

I'm not in agreement this time, Steve... usually a new manager is brought in because a team is performing below expectations, which Southampton were clearly not. From the sounds of things, and especially based on the information coming out today, Adkins was a really popular and inspirational figure... to lose him so suddenly (from what I gather rumours only started last night), will be a blow to their morale.

Hopefully we can take advantage... because, given a couple of their recent performances, and in particular the form of Lambert, I wasn't looking forward to this match, especially because we need to win it. Hopefully it will have been made a little easier... and if we score first, we could really take advantage of a negative atmosphere.

Andy Crooks
5 Posted 19/01/2013 at 00:43:58

I agree, Jim. The sacking of Adkins is up there with Newcastle's dismissal of Houghton and I think it will be to our advantage. I think it will turn to shit for Southampton and we can help them on their way.

Mike Green
6 Posted 19/01/2013 at 01:26:20

I was hoping Southampton stayed up. Adkins seems a good, honest guy and they were fighting it out well - 2 losses in the last 12. The guy took them up two Divs back into the top flight, they're above the drop and this is thanks he gets. Ridiculous. Hope we spank their arses now on Monday.

Almost as ridiculous as Walcott getting £20m today off Arsenal. Little twerp.

Derek Thomas
7 Posted 19/01/2013 at 03:24:21

A fired up Southampton coming out to attack us will suit us a lot more than a frightened Swansea coming to park the bus and time-waste. This will be played like a cup-tie, weather the initial storm aka win the fightball, then play your football. I will take us versus anybody if they want to make an open game of it.

Norman Merrill
8 Posted 19/01/2013 at 07:42:01

After the disgraceful sacking of Nigel Adkins, the game Monday, could be a double edged sword?
It's down to Everton players to do their job, and bring back the 3 pts.

Michael Williams
9 Posted 19/01/2013 at 07:45:31

It seems no reward for loyalty. I cannot figure what Southampton owners want. Success for them must be to consolidate in Premier League. Adkins was improving playing style game by game, pleasing the supporters and they were moving in the right direction. A couple of new signings as well... it beggars belief and I hope we wallop them.

Harold Matthews
10 Posted 19/01/2013 at 07:15:55

Fingers crossed for this one.Poor sides don't score 2 goals and share the points at Stamford Bridge. It will not be easy but we have the quality to win.

I was looking forward to a tactical masterpiece initiated by our latest recruit,Mr Lee Dunn.the video analyst. Sadly, a new manager has now swooped in like a thirsty vampire on a dark night and stuck two big fangs into our Plan A. Let's hope DM has packed the garlic,wooden stake and Plan B.

Mark Tanton
11 Posted 19/01/2013 at 08:47:04

Was anyone else hoping to see a new face or two by Southampton? I guess we'll have to wait 'till deadline day, if at all.

Andy Mack
12 Posted 19/01/2013 at 08:55:43

Shouldn't be including 'worried' and 'Southampton' in the same sentence, but I am. If ever there is a team to play where a new manager needs his first win, someone who hasn't scored for two years gets on the scoresheet or an early goal is needed... we are that team. Fingers crossed we're up for it too.

Ian Bennett
13 Posted 19/01/2013 at 09:57:51

Disgraceful treatment to Adkins.

However, I cant help but think this is an advantage for us despite Everton's previous. The fans are planning a protest after 5 minutes à la Spanish style, the manager is out of his depth, and they plan to use the new centre back. Any positive momentum after Chelsea away will be gone, crapping on Adkins who pulled that team up from the gutter.

Patience, but 3 points on the road is what I expect; Jelavic back in the goals.

Sam Hoare
14 Posted 19/01/2013 at 10:07:59

Tough game against a team who are surely all going to be desperate to impress the new manager. One thing is certain and that is that they won't sit back and defend. We will get chances but I suspect we will have to score 2 goals or more to win this one. Hope Jelly has had time to re-find his shooting boots.

Kevin Day
15 Posted 19/01/2013 at 10:35:17

I don't see why people are saying the players are going to go out and impress their new Manager — they were already running through brick walls for Nigel Adkins, who has been treated in such a disgusting way. I'm in agreement with the view that this would've taken the wind out of their sails; a big reality check will be realised on Monday evening for the Southampton board.

We've been saying all season we're going to spank someone soon, well, guess what guys, it's going to happen Monday night.

Brian Harrison
16 Posted 19/01/2013 at 10:41:05

Seems to be a pattern emerging of new owners changing managers: the Venkeys sack Allardyce, the Fenway group sack Daglish, and now the new owners of Southampton sack Adkins... is McDermott next?

Whatever happened to stability at clubs? So far, the changes at all these clubs have not resulted in better results.

Tony Marsh
17 Posted 19/01/2013 at 11:50:50

I can only see Everton win on Monday night. My pal who lives there and supports Saints said the whole City is seething with rage so a backlash can be expected. Add to that the players who loved Adkins feeling let down by the club, negativity is bound to set in... Everton win 2-0.

Mike Oates
18 Posted 19/01/2013 at 13:51:49

Sorry to put a slight downer out, but I live 20 miles from Southampton and we still have 4 inches of snow all around with possibly more tomorrow AND St Mary's doesn't have underground heating on their pitch. The PL rule says you should but they let Southampton off on the basis they do it in the near future. They totally rely on a balloon with hot air blowers – and it didn't work well enough last time it was called into use and the game had to be called off!

John Malone
19 Posted 19/01/2013 at 15:47:24

Every game is must-win now; if there is a chance Mirallas can start, then Moyes has got to play him, get in front then take him off and see the game out. I'd say we need to score early, upset the crowd even more... then hopefully their heads will drop and we can bag more and take all 3 points.

Harold Matthews
20 Posted 19/01/2013 at 16:38:46

Thanks Mike. Sounds like a cert to be off. What's the cost of underground heating.? Anyone know.?

James Martin
21 Posted 19/01/2013 at 16:50:31

I'm sure its less than whatever they paid for Gaston Ramirez.

Ian Smitham
22 Posted 19/01/2013 at 16:57:41

James (#800), quite, and they have bought a player yesterday that we have apparently been watching but may not have been able to match their offer.

I believe that, if any team can not put a game on due to the condition of the pitch, then they should forfeit 3 points, that will focus a few minds. To try to be balanced, I would say that if the Police call it off as the surrounding area close by the ground is dangerous, then it would seem inappropriate to penalise the club.

Sam Hoare
23 Posted 19/01/2013 at 17:18:01

Not great results today, Swansea and the RS winning. Not that I want to be looking over our shoulder but force of habit.

I hope it's not cancelled on Monday as we might have a chance to catch them still bedding in with the new manager.

In other news, who else wants QPR to go down? After this week's sacking of Adkins, my chosen 3 for relegation would probably be QPR, Newcastle and Southampton.

Patrick Murphy
24 Posted 19/01/2013 at 17:26:33

Sam I watched that WHU v QPR game and the standard was pretty dire, how Motson could say it was one of the most exciting 1 - 1 draw's he's seen is beyond me. QPR started brightly and WHU were shaky but from the beginning of the 2nd half it was all Hammers.

I agree with your choice of relegation candidates, especially Newcastle and Alan "We're in a different league to Everton" Pardew, he may well be right.

Ian Bennett
25 Posted 19/01/2013 at 19:31:27

Liverpool 3 points behind... Next 3 games:

Everton – Southampton away, West Brom home, Aston Villa home
Arsenal – Chelsea away, West Ham home, Liverpool away
Spurs – Man Utd home, Norwich away, West Brom away
Liverpool – Arsenal away, Man City away, West Brom home
Chelsea – Arsenal home, Reading away, Newcastle away

The next 3 games are going to be interesting with clubs dropping points all over the place.

John Ford
26 Posted 19/01/2013 at 21:56:46

Indeed Ian, ideally we can build a bit of a points buffer ahead of the competition before we hit our toughest challenges later on, in this case playing most of the top teams away from home.

By the close of February we will have a fully fit Mirallas and iron man Gibson to take us into the final straight... and two cracking loan signings in the January sales... ahem.

Simples!

Steven Telford
27 Posted 19/01/2013 at 22:44:27

I’m not sure, but I have a Theory that Barry Rathbone and is actually the director of football at Southampton, and decided to the plug on the Adkins, due to feeling that it would take too long for Southampton to win the CL ;-)

Chelsea, Arsenal Tomorrow............. what’s best for us from this? It's a tough call. Maybe a Chelsea victory or a draw.

Andy Corrie
28 Posted 19/01/2013 at 22:48:19

Those dirty red cunts are only 3 points behind us now, so we really need to win on Monday.

Patrick Murphy
30 Posted 19/01/2013 at 22:58:59

I would take a Draw in the Arsenal v Chelsea game and hope that United win at Spurs. That means it will be all to play for when we go to Southampton. Unless of course the weather intervenes...

Calling Mike Oates — what's the latest down there?

Brendan McLaughlin
32 Posted 19/01/2013 at 23:04:02

Dunno I'm leaning towards a Chelsea victory which if we win @ Saints puts us six clear. in 5th.

Patrick Murphy
33 Posted 19/01/2013 at 23:20:07

Yeah I see what you mean then Arsenal v Dark Side can be a draw!

Brendan McLaughlin
34 Posted 19/01/2013 at 23:23:33

I'm phoning my bookie as we speak Patrick!

Steven Telford
35 Posted 19/01/2013 at 23:24:25

But, if we do make 4th - it could be by as much as a single point, hence we may be better of seeing Chelsea beat arsenal – if that is - Chelsea end up taking 3rd place. And, if Liverpool don’t get their act in order, we may be better of seeing them beat arsenal.
We need united and city taking full points against all other top 4 challenges - except us of course.

Not forgetting, our last game of the season is Chelsea….. food for thought.
I’m enjoying the tension of this season, it feels like a game of chess at the moment.

Patrick Murphy
36 Posted 19/01/2013 at 23:59:35

Steven, it could even go to goal difference and that is an area we need to improve upon.

Anto Byrne
37 Posted 20/01/2013 at 04:53:16

3 - 0 please.

Tom Bowers
38 Posted 20/01/2013 at 08:36:50

It could be a difficult game for the Blues given Saints' recent record although Everton still difficult to beat. Maybe it's better to be away these days after the iffy home displays.

I'm not sure the managerial change will affect the Saints players; however, the Blues just have to concentrate on their game and take care of business. Another draw would be poor given the tight battle for Europe going on and RS creeping up.

Everton's midfield needs to come up big and I do hope that Vellios gets the nod ahead of Anichebe who just doesn't cut it for me as a good partner for Jela.

Joe Bibb
39 Posted 20/01/2013 at 10:48:38

Players don't give a toss about their managers, only their wage slips. Everton are the better team, we are playing well. We will win 3-1.

Anyone who is nervous, go to the official website and read to the calming talk of Phil and Co.

Tony Twist
40 Posted 20/01/2013 at 13:20:22

3 points are vital. Like the recent FA Cup tie, we turn up, we take our chances and never give them hope. Over to you, Moyes.

Sam Hoare
41 Posted 20/01/2013 at 14:39:01

Tom, what on earth has Vellios done to deserve replacing Anichebe who's scored a good few goals considering the time he's been on the pitch this season?

I don't think Vellios has even been scoring much for the U21 team.

Steavey Buckley
42 Posted 20/01/2013 at 14:50:45

Everton -v- Southampton (in my dreams) various possibilities to provide more strength and balance in midfield, to allow Fellaini to 'ghost in' into attacking positions. And for Anichebe to take the attacking weight off Jelavic's shoulders by using his undoubted physical strength to unsettle the Southampton central defender from focusing their sole attention on Jelavic, which usually happens when he plays up front by himself.

Team:

Howard
Coleman/Neville Phil Jagielka Distin Baines
Fellaini/Hitzlsperger
Coleman/Pienaar/Oviedo Osman/Fellaini Pienaar/Oviedo
Anichebe Jelavic

Subs:

Mucha, Duffy, Osman, Mirallas, Naismith, Vellios, Kennedy

Mike Oates
43 Posted 20/01/2013 at 15:43:27

No snow to speak of today (only 1/2 in or so), roads all clear but still temps of
-1 to 0C , so it all depends whether Southampton balloon and hot air system keeps frost out of pitch . I'm sure if no official decision by tonight then it must be ok - but local temps tomorrow all around -1C to 0C, dropping further by night time.

Steven Telford
44 Posted 20/01/2013 at 19:03:26

Let’s not count our chickens before they hatch – if being a blue teaches you one thing it should be take nothing for granted.

Fingers crossed – it’s nervy looking at the league table. Every point is gold dust to us now.

Andrew James
45 Posted 20/01/2013 at 19:13:14

Mike

You are to weather what Reuters is to News. .

On a related subject, I cannot believe the Premier League let them off under soil heating and, secondly, I am baffled as to why they don't have it at St Mary's? Wasn't it built in the last decade?

They should have been made to install it during the summer. If you want to enjoy the telly revenue, the gate receipts, sponsorship, glamour and parachute payments (that they could well be getting very soon!) that the Premier League brings, then your ground should be in a fit and proper state.

You might say I'm being harsh but tell that to the Blues travelling down from Merseyside if the match was called off...

Martin Handley
46 Posted 20/01/2013 at 21:09:49

Andrew (#116) — that's the very reason I'm not going tomorrow. I have said on another thread my mate lives down there and he still only rates it about 60/40 to go ahead.

Adkins's sacking must be the most ludicrous of the season, apparently the Southampton fans are planning a boycott or protest... so, far from having a positive effect, it's had the opposite. It could be a good time time to play them.

Martin Handley
47 Posted 20/01/2013 at 21:31:00

Keep looking at the table and call me a dreamer but a 3rd place finish is still a possibility. I know I'm the eternal optimist but why is it such a preposterous idea? If you shoot for the sun you might not get that far but you could land on the moon.

What a smack in the mouth that'd be for the likes of Arsenal, Spurs and the RS!

Colin Wainwright
48 Posted 20/01/2013 at 21:47:41

Good feeling about this. Jelly's got to start scoring soon and I think it might be tomorrow. I know a new manager can give a club a kick up the arse but I think this one might prove a negative for Southampton.

Defeat it is then.

Andrew James
49 Posted 20/01/2013 at 22:17:59

I don't think we will lose but sadly I think this has draw written all over it. With us being the better team as with virtually all our other draws this season.

There are two key aspects. If the Saints are woeful we should win. The other is, if Jelavic gets his Mojo back, we should run riot.

Maybe if our goalie and defence have drawn confidence from their first clean sheet in ages we might be ok!

Anto Byrne
50 Posted 21/01/2013 at 03:13:11

We used to do quite well at the Dell. I went especially to see Alan Ball play in an all-star line-up of ageing players. He was 31 at the time and he became a legend for the Saints. When he passed away, the club paid tribute to him as a great Southampton player. Interesting to think we still believe he was ours, eh? He was a great player for Arsenal as well and very much treated like royalty there as well.

Kev Johnson
51 Posted 21/01/2013 at 11:40:23

What's happened to their red and white stripes, that's what I want to know? They now look like a pin-striped Lpool - and that cannot be a good thing!

I fancy us for this one. I predict a goal from Naismith. Why? Well, he hasn't looked like scoring recently so it stands to reason that he will tonight. That's football for you...

James Morgan
52 Posted 21/01/2013 at 11:50:42

Good luck to the fans getting down there, I can't see the sense in having a Monday night game with the two teams about four and a half hours apart!

Won't be easy this, I hear Gibson may be on the bench which is good news if true. Shame Mirallas is still out, we've missed him.

On a side note, why aren't we moving for players like Yoann Gouffran? Newcastle are in for him, he has six months left with Bordeaux, can play up front or out wide. Get a move on!

Paul David
53 Posted 21/01/2013 at 14:06:19

Howard
Coleman Jag Distin Baines(c)
Pienaar Fellaini Hitz Oviedo
Vellios Jelavic

Sam Hoare
54 Posted 21/01/2013 at 14:25:03

I'd like to see Oviedo start but I think Moyes will look to use Big Vic against their quite young and slight full backs.

Don't really know why people want Vellios to start? Not seen anything to suggest he'd do a better job up there than Fellaini who is still our top scorer this season I believe.

Paul Columb
55 Posted 21/01/2013 at 16:06:43

Paul....
Would love to see Vellios get a start alongside Jela. Imagine having coin enough to pry Lennon from Spurs for our right side and what that would do to our season........

Brent Stephens
56 Posted 21/01/2013 at 16:57:16

Paul, you've dropped Osman?!

Dan McKie
57 Posted 21/01/2013 at 16:54:48

I don't know what people have seen in Vellios to think he deserves to be anywhere near Everton's bench, let alone start.

Bill Griffiths
58 Posted 21/01/2013 at 17:00:28

I'd go with, Howard, Neville, Jags, Distin, Baines, Coleman, Osman, Hitz, Piennar, Felli, Jelly. If attacking changes new options needed I'd use Oviedo and Vic which would give several options to vary line up formation etc. Pity Spurs equalised right at the end but we really need to win tonight to keep up the pressure, also to keep well in front of he Redshite.

Paul Columb
59 Posted 21/01/2013 at 17:03:50

To me Vellios offers the (potential) ability to play to Jela's strength, maintaining the momentum of the ball for early deliveries, head/knock downs to the Crotatian. Vic tends to do the opposite and attempt to hold, then lay off. This, of course is all dependent on Jela remaining central and playing to his own strengths....and being allowed/encouraged to do so. He also seems to offer more in the air. Would love to see him get a run as these are presumptions based on seeing little of his ability through more than 20 mins.

Paul David
60 Posted 21/01/2013 at 17:11:50

Brent

A necessary sacrifice in order to play with 2 up top.

Sam

I think people would like to see Velios given a run in the side so we can finally see what he can do. I don't think many people think he's the bollocks as we've not seen him enough but he's impressed with the tiny amount of time he's had on the pitch.

I think the real question should be what has Anichebe done over the past 7/8 years to constantly be given chance after chance despite doing very little to justify it and now its denying a promising, young player the chance to develop in the 1st team

Tom Bowers
61 Posted 21/01/2013 at 16:08:16

Sure most of us would like to see some changes as we are not exactly setting the world alight.
Moyes,however will go with his favourites even those who are not getting any better.
Sometimes I wonder why he picks up some players when he really doesn't give them a fair crack. I believe Velios is much more lively than Anichebe who really hasn't improved at all into the player we would have liked despite many opportunities.
Oviedo is another who shows quickness and good skills but is only getting a few minutes in some games when he should get more.
I also believe that Everton have the best squad they have had in years and the best opportunity to finish at least fourth but Moyes stubborness threatens to be their undoing.

Matthew Salem
62 Posted 21/01/2013 at 19:03:36

G'day all. I wish us all 3 points, a clean sheet, no injuries and no red cards. No, I not fuckin Father X-MAs, just an optimist wearing blue-tinted glasses. COYB!

James Morgan
64 Posted 21/01/2013 at 19:11:49

Super Kev is back!

Alan Rooney
65 Posted 21/01/2013 at 19:12:21

Gods evening all. Is there a forum tonight

Derek Williams
66 Posted 21/01/2013 at 19:18:30

Tom 331 - positive head required mate, there's three points to be won here.

Sam Hoare
67 Posted 21/01/2013 at 19:27:04

Hmm. Naismith. Is Anichebe injured or is Kevin doing something marvellous in training?

Eric Holland
68 Posted 21/01/2013 at 19:26:50

Naismith starts ????

John Ford
69 Posted 21/01/2013 at 19:29:21

Yep Mirallas on the bench. C'mon the blue bench!!

Alan Rooney
70 Posted 21/01/2013 at 19:29:34

I think Victor is in South Africa

Alan Rooney
71 Posted 21/01/2013 at 19:31:14

Good to see that victor came back from SA in time to sit on the bench!

Gerry Quinn
72 Posted 22/01/2013 at 19:32:58

http://www.nsno.co.uk/everton-news/2013/01/jelavic-needs-his-x-factor-to-return/

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