Stick your money on The Toffees
Everton travel to the south coast to face Ralph Hasenhuttl’s Saints on Sunday with both sides in impressive form in front of goal. The Toffees played out an entertaining Merseyside derby last weekend, and Southampton were also involved in a score draw, even more emphatic than Everton’s, in earning a last gasp point at Stamford Bridge, final score 3-3. After a slow start Saints have picked up seven points in their last three games and come into this affair with nothing to lose against the table toppers. Everton are narrow favourites and look a good bet at 2.38 with Betway, this will be an open game.
Last time out
The Toffees equalised twice in their share of the spoils against Premier League champions Liverpool and were the more fortunate of the two sides to come away with a point. There was Jordan Pickford’s horror challenge that went unpunished yet has caused a long term spell on the sidelines for Virgil Van Dijk, and an injury time winner from Jordan Henderson disallowed as of the slightest of offside calls. Both of Carlo Ancelotti’s men’s goals were headers as they struggled to unpick Liverpool in central areas. That task will not be as difficult on the south coast with the Reds having one of the best midfield combinations on the planet so we can forgive Everton that pitfall.
Southampton came from 2-0 and 3-2 down to draw against Chelsea, with a little help from Kepa Arrizabalaga and a big slice of luck earning them a point. Jannik Vestergaard managed to deflect a wayward Theo Walcott strike on target in the 92nd minute to cap off an excellent comeback, given the huge difference in the investment in the transfer window, it was an awesome result.
Prediction
Both of these teams have a tendency to be leaky defensively and are far stronger in offensive areas. In Danny Ings and Dominic Calvert-Lewin you have two of the best English number nines going head-to-head, with their sights on Euro 2021 they have both hit the ground running this season. Ings’ partner in crime Che Adams has vastly grown in confidence since lockdown and pounced on Arrizabalaga’s error on Saturday, his pace and constant runs in behind will pose a different kind of threat to Michael Keane and Yerry Mina. Expect goals and entertainment value.
Saints’ last two meetings with top half opposition saw over 5.5 goals, this might not be just as epic, but it is mouth-watering nonetheless.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
The Toffees suffered their first defeat of the season, going down 2-0 at St. Mary's.