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Post by Avinalaff on Dec 17, 2014 14:22:48 GMT
TEAM NEWSEverton welcome back Gareth Barry following his one-game suspension that saw him miss the 3-1 win over QPR. However, the trio of Kevin Mirallas, Leon Osman (both ankle) and Tony Hibbert (knock) are expected to miss out. Roberto Martinez has rated both James McCarthy and Darron Gibson as ‘50/50’ after both returned to training. Saints boss Ronald Koeman has seen suspensions deprive him of several midfielders. Morgan Schneiderlin and Victor Wanyama have both collected five yellow cards and will sit Saturday out. They are joined by defender Florin Gardos is also suspended. Injuries have also robbed Koeman of winger Dusan Tadic and midfielder Jake Hesketh, while Steven Davis and Graziano Pelle are rated as doubtful. FORMAfter a summer of departures from St Mary’s, including the loss of former boss Mauricio Pochettino, Southampton have been the surprise package this season. But recent form has seen Ronald Koeman’s side pick up just one win from their last seven games, their most recent disappointment a 1-0 defeat to League One side Sheffield United, who knocked them out of the League Cup at the quarter final stage. The Saints last outing in the Premier League was a fourth straight defeat against struggling Burnley, following recent losses to Manchester United, Arsenal and reigning champions Manchester City. Roberto Martinez’s side will be looking to build on their 3-1 win over Queens Park Rangers, the Blues’ first victory in four games. CLASSIC MEETINGEverton 2-1 Southampton, Saturday 22 February 2003. A late brace from Tomasz Radzinski gave Everton all three points at Goodison Park as the Blues defeated Southampton by two goals to one. James Beattie put the visitors ahead on 33 minutes, beating the offside trap before clipping the ball over Richard Wright and into the net. But with just seven minutes remaining, Wayne Rooney’s cross was met by Radzinski and his header flew past Antti Niemi to bring the Blues level. And it would get even better for the Toffees when Radzinski, with just seconds remaining, unleashed a fierce right-footed strike into the top corner to give David Moyes’ side a dramatic 2-1 victory. ONE TO WATCHGraziano Pelle The 29-year-old striker has proved to be an instant hit with Southampton since his £8.8million move from Feyenoord in July – and Koeman and Saints fans will hope he is fit to feature against the Blues. Pelle joined Feyenoord from Serie A side Parma in January 2013 and scored 55 goals in 66 matches under his now Saints boss. The Italian international chose to link back up with Dutchman Koeman in the summer and has continued to show impressive scoring form since his move to St Mary’s, netting 10 goals in 21 appearances.
Everton’s next Blues On Tour event will see 200 fans get free coach travel to this weekend’s Premier League clash with Southampton.
A group of Evertonians, who applied to join the special roadtrip, will receive a complimentary breakfast at Goodison Park before enjoying giveaways in the form of matchday programmes, Everton magazines, meal deal vouchers and special Everton stockings on the way to St Mary’s Stadium.
The campaign forms part of the Club’s Premier League’s Away Fan’s Initiative, which aims to make following football as an away supporter both easier and more affordable.
Richard Kenyon, Director of Marketing and Communications, said: “It’s well recognised that our away support is one of the best in the top-flight and we want to make sure Evertonians, who give the team their unwavering support, are rewarded.
“It’s a long journey to Southampton just a few days before Christmas so the Blues on Tour event is our way of saying thank you to the travelling Toffees.”
There are two more Blues on Tour events planned for 2015 – ahead of the Crystal Palace fixture on 31 January and the Queens Park Rangers fixture on 21 March.
In addition, up to 10 Everton stewards travel to matches to provide fans with advice and general customer service support whilst on the road. The Away Fan Ambassador, introduced last season, is also in operation for every away fixture.
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Post by Avinalaff on Dec 17, 2014 14:29:39 GMT
Learn all about the history of Southampton FC on our club page
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Post by dorf on Dec 17, 2014 14:57:36 GMT
I don't rate our chances for this one. Apart from Barkley, Besic and Naismith I thought we were terrible.
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tellmema
Monster Midfielder
Posts: 1,398
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Post by tellmema on Dec 17, 2014 17:55:19 GMT
We should still be beating these regardless of league position. They've had it easy so far.
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Post by Avinalaff on Dec 18, 2014 2:12:12 GMT
I don't like the Saints fans that I've come across so hoping they go down this year.
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