Everton vs SouthamptonTEAM NEWSEverton boss Ronald Koeman should have the same squad available to him to the one that picked up a point at the KCOM Stadium against Hull City, but has hinted at changes to ensure his side remains fresh.
“It’s a really tough period of games for everybody but we know you can’t play three games in seven or eight days with 11 players - you need to do some changes in the team,” he said.
“It’s all about the freshness of the players. The boys showed really good spirit against Hull and we will see now what is the best team to start against Southampton.”
Maarten Stekelenberg will continue to be monitored on the injury he sustained against Liverpool, meaning Joel Robles could continue between the sticks.
For Southampton, dangerman Charlie Austin is out with a shoulder injury and he is joined in the treatment room by Jeremy Pied (knee), Jordy Clasie (groin), Alex McCarthy and Matt Targett (both hamstring).
Key man Virgil Van Dijk is also missing after seeing red in his side’s defeat to West Brom.
FORMThe Blues welcome a side breathing down their necks in the Premier League table, with Saints three points behind seventh-placed Everton in ninth.
The hosts are looking to build on taking seven points from the festive period, following victories over Arsenal and Leicester City and a draw at Hull City.
Southampton, meanwhile, have struggled to find consistency of late, with just two wins from seven league and cup games in December. One of those was in the south coast derby at Bournemouth, but they come to Goodison off the back of a 2-1 reverse at home to West Brom.
KEY MAN – Jay Rodriguez
Having missed large spells through injury for the past two seasons, Jay Rodriguez has re-established himself at Southampton this season.
Back in August there was talk of a loan move to help the forward gain match fitness but he has stayed at Saints, worked tirelessly to regain his sharpness and has been a dependable member of the squad, chipping in with four goals including a brace that helped down Bournemouth in the derby.
His versatility to be able to play across the frontline means the loss of Charlie Austin to a shoulder injury has been lessened.
MAN IN THE MIDDLE – Kevin Friend
Leicestershire’s man in black has overseen 16 league and cup games this season.
In those, he has seen fit to issue 66 yellow cards but no reds as yet.
This will be his second Southampton game, having overseen their 2-0 EFL Cup quarter-final win over Arsenal, but you have to look back to April 2016 for the last time he officiated Everton – a 1-1 draw away at Watford.
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