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Saints welcome Everton to St Mary’s in Sunday afternoon’s Premier League action and we’ve broken down the key information ahead of kick-off…
THE MATCH
Southampton vs Everton
Sunday 26th November, 1:30pm GMT
St Mary’s
Premier League
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
With only a point between Sunday lunchtime’s opponents, the St Mary’s clash appears, from the outset, of vital importance to both clubs.
Saints suffered defeat to a rampant Liverpool side last weekend, while Everton twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with bottom-placed Crystal Palace.
Mauricio Pellegrino’s men could climb in to the top half of the table with victory, as the middle-third of clubs remain entwined by a mere three points.
The visitors’ form has taken a slight upturn of late, with four points from a possible six in November, as caretaker manager David Unsworth continues to steer the Merseyside outfit away from the drop zone.
Encouragingly, Saints have only lost one of their last eight home league meetings with Everton (W4 D3), while the Toffees are currently winless in 14 away Premier League games – their second longest such run in the competition.
TEAM NEWS
Southampton’s midfield could be bolstered by the return of Mario Lemina, who has resumed full training this week. Oriol Romeu has however been ruled out after accumulating five yellow cards. Matt Targett is also unavailable.
Everton’s longterm absentee list is shortening, as Yannick Bolasie is said to be progressing well after rehabilitating a knee problem. Although Ross Barkley continues to nurse a hamstring injury and Seamus Coleman is out until the new year.
Tom Davies is suspended and there are further questions over the fitness of Phil Jagielka (groin) and Morgan Schneiderlin (toe).
FORM GUIDE
Southampton’s previous five:
Liverpool 3-0 Southampton
Southampton 0-1 Burnley
Brighton and Hove Albion 1-1 Southampton
Southampton 1-0 West Brom
Southampton 2-2 Newcastle
Everton’s previous five:
Cédric has fired in 59 crosses from open play this season; 11 more than any other player in the Premier League, but is yet to register an assist.
The Portuguese full-back’s contribution may yet prove fruitful if Mauricio Pellegrino elects to field two strikers tomorrow, with Charlie Austin, Shane Long and Manolo Gabbiadini all fit and available.
A forgotten face at Everton for 12 months, Oumar Niasse has earned a deserved recall to first team reckoning after netting six times in nine appearances this season.
One EFL Cup goal, as well as five Premier League strikes have meant the Senegalese international is beginning to provide suitable return on his £13.5M price tag.
Two goals in as many games, against Watford and Crystal Palace, have helped Everton earn four points, but the in-form striker will be forced to sit out tomorrow’s St Mary’s outing through suspension.
DID YOU KNOW?
Everton’s Oumar Niasse has scored in his last two Premier League starts – having scored in just one of the 15 previous games he started in the competition.
No team has scored more penalties than Saints or Everton in the Premier League so far this season (3, level with Man City).
NOT AT THE GAME?
Don’t worry if you can’t make it to St Mary’s! Our interactive match centre at southamptonfc.com will have all the build-up, as well as in-game updates and free live audio commentary.
Additionally, be sure to follow us on our various social channels for behind-the-scenes access and further updates:
– Twitter
– Instagram
– Snapchat
– Facebook
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