Everton have the second-worst home record in the Premier League and the discontent among the fans towards manager Roberto Martinez after an up and down season so far means that Merseyside is an uncomfortable venue for the Toffees. Here is all the information you need as Everton host Southampton.
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Everton may be without seven first-team players including Romelu Lukaku and Ross Barkley as they look to remedy their poor home form against Southampton. But they have every reason to head into the game with confidence and make it four wins from five.
Phil Jagielka and Tom Cleverley are not ready to return, Ross Barkley, Leighton Baines and Aaron Lennon have knocks that will need monitoring, and James McCarthy is banned.
They are doubtful for tomorrow’s clash with Southampton with the pressure on the manager heading into next weekend’s FA Cup semi-final with Manchester United. “That’s still more important how you start the game, because the crowd will be whistling maybe if they don’t start well and that’s the message to the players how we start and how we play to win the game”.
Hector Bellerin has been one of Arsenal’s most consistent performers, while Christian Eriksen has again been excellent for Spurs. However, Southampton hasn’t beaten Everton at Goodison in their last 10 matches.
Everton boss Roberto Martinez calls on his team to produce a “really strong ending” to what has been an inconsistent Premier League campaign.
The complex deal which took Romelu Lukaku to Everton could reportedly help Chelsea re-sign the striker at a reduced rate.
Lukaku has enjoyed an outstanding season, scoring 25 goals in all competitions, including in eight successive league matches.
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The Toffees hold a definite edge over the South Coast team having won 39 times in 77 meetings, while Southampton have only grabbed maximum points on 22 occasions with the remaining 16 as draws. That was in evidence against Newcastle as the front three of Shane Long, Sadio Mane and Graziano Pelle dovetailed so well and scored three stylish goals.
