Southampton vs Everton Prediction - Everton need a win to keep "top 4" hopes alive

Southampton, by any standard, have had a very good season, and currently sit in 8^th place on the table. They are 8 points off Manchester United, who have a game in hand, so their season is pretty much over in terms of achieving a higher league position. All they will have left to play is pride and as professionals, trying to win every match they play in. But it will be safe to say that the motivation levels would be very low, apart from trying to stay ahead of Newcastle United, who themselves are not going through the greatest patch of winning form.

Ever since the loss against Crystal Palace, Everton have had immense pressure put on them to finish in the top 4. After falling behind Arsenal by a point, all they can do is try and win all their remaining games and hope Arsenal would drop points in at least one of their remaining games. However, their task will be made all the more difficult by the fact that they still have to face Manchester City while Arsenal have a relatively easier fixture list. Therefore, they cannot afford to drop any points in this game to have any hope of finishing in the top 4.

While Southampton may not have much to play for, they certainly would not simply roll over for Everton. Southampton, as always, have been playing an attacking game, but their defence is suspect, which explains the goal difference. Everton, for their part, are in bright attacking form as well, and their defence is a lot better in comparison. This will certainly be a game that will delight neutrals, with both teams looking to pass the ball and attack the opposition goal. However, one gets the feeling that despite the setback against Palace, Everton would come out on top on this one.

Injuries

Southampton have no new injuries, but are still missing 4 players to long term injuries. Particularly, Gaston Ramirez would be missed by the team, but he is nowhere close to returning to the team, recuperating from his foot injury. He’s joined on the treatment table by Rodriguez, Yoshida and Davis, who all have no chance of making an appearance for the rest of the season.

Everton are without as many as 7 players, with only Phil Jagielka likely to make a return for this game, and even that is doubtful. Gibson and Pienaar are only scheduled to return next month, while the other 4 players, Traore, Oviedo, Kone and Distin, will not make a return this season.

Head to Head

Everton and Southampton have played each other a total of 80 times, with Evertonenjoying the clear upper hand, winning 40 of their games. Southampton have only managed to win 22 games, with the rest ending in a draw.

Form

Southampton – DLLWL

Everton – WLWWW

Prediction – Southampton 1-3 Everton

While losing against Crystal Palace may have dented their top 4 chances, the win against Manchester United and their former boss would certainly have brought back the confidence to the players. Playing a Southampton team that has picked up only 4 points of the 15 available in the last 5 matches would not be as tough as it looks for Everton.