Hitting the road for their first away match of the 2018/19 season, Southampton travel north to Goodison Park to take on Everton. Both teams enter the match with a point from their opening games last week. Thus, both will certainly be keen to gain the full three points on offer. As newbies Richarlison and Ings both impressed for their respective sides, and centre-back Phil Jagielka serves a three-match ban, it promises to be an intriguing tie.
Everton Face Saints Without Jagielka
Sinner Jagielka Misses Saints Clash
Beginning their 2018/19 Premier League campaign last Saturday, Everton travelled to the Molineux Stadium to take on newly-promoted Wolverhampton Wanderers. However, whilst on paper the match should have been a win for the Toffees, a straight red card saw Phil Jagielka sent off just before half time to even out the odds.
A three-match ban not a good start for him, or the Toffees. Allowing Wolves to score from the ensuing free-kick, ten-man Everton would eventually re-take the lead midway through the second half, but again capitulated late in the match.
However, despite the fact that Everton failed to live up to expectation, ten men did earn a draw. Thus showing the potential of a full-strength squad? Jagielka will surely be missed. A problem for the Merseysiders.
Debut Danny Has Excellent First Inn-Ings
Southampton kicked off their season last Sunday with an underwhelming home tie against Burnley. Whilst fans saw their side spring to life in the second half following the arrival of Danny Ings, the Saints showed they still have a way to go. Especially if they are to compete with sides in the upper half of the table, and a place in Europe.
Despite this, there are positives to be found in this Southampton side. New signings Stuart Armstrong, Danny Ings, Mohamed Elyounoussi and Jannik Vestergaard all made their club debut, each turning in a solid performance. The most impressive player being Danny Ings, who immediately invigorated the Southampton attack upon his introduction.
Key Players
Richarlison Hits Ground Running For Everton
Nabbing a brace on his debut for Everton, Richarlison proved that he will be a key player for the Toffees this season. Signing from fellow Premier League side Watford during the summer transfer window, Richarlison quickly proved that he is ready to make an impact for the Merseyside club.
The winger’s influence will be needed once more if Everton are to bag their first win of the season. He faces a Southampton side that likes to play with a back three, whilst sporting two wing-backs. Richarlison will need to find a way around the defence. If he can find this space, the Brazilian should be able to work multiple crosses into the box, thus continually challenging the Southampton centre-backs.
Another player of note for this match will be Michael Keane. With Jagielka suspended following his red card against Wolves, Keane will once again need to lead the back line for Everton. If the Toffees are to keep Southampton off the scoreboard in this contest, they will need Keane to play a big role at the back.
Is Danny Ings Saints’ Best Weapon?
Coming off their 0-0 draw at home against Burnley last week, Southampton will not only be looking for three points. They will be aiming for a goal or two to prove that their attacking woes are behind them. The Saints will be looking to new signing Danny Ings to again adopt both a creative and leadership role in attack.
Coming on as a second-half sub last Sunday against Burnley, Danny Ings single handedly transformed the Saints. Creating chances and re-invigorating the side. Ings came close to a winner twice during the latter part of the match. Given a full 90 minutes against Everton, one has to assume that Ings will help Southampton. Hopefully finding the back of the net more than once.
One more player fans will be watching closely will be Stuart Armstrong. Despite suffering an apparent ankle injury that saw him substituted in the second half of Sunday’s match. Armstrong looks to be fit and ready for his second outing at Goodison Park. If he does play, he should again have an impact. He served as Saints best player in the first half of last week’s match. Showing, therefore, he has the potential to be effective every time he is played.
Prediction
Despite both clubs entering this match level on points following respective draws last weekend, it seems unlikely this one will end similarly. Each are looking to earn their first win of season, this promises to be an interesting one to watch.
Whilst both sides are likely to get on the scoreboard, Everton perhaps to have the advantage. In terms of talent and skill across their squad. They sent two past a shaky Wolverhampton back line. If they show better resistance against any lead gained this time out, they should earn the three points.
Prediction: Everton 2-1 Southampton
🗣 "The way we finished is something we can take into this game."#SaintsFC boss Mark Hughes on taking confidence to #EFC: https://t.co/c9inh0h1yA
— Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) August 17, 2018
