Match preview: Everton vs Southampton
TEAM NEWS
Phil Jagielka begins a three-game ban and could be replaced by Chelsea loanee Kurt Zouma, as Yerry Mina is out with a minor foot injury.
Everton forward Richarlison, who scored twice on his debut against Wolves, is available after being taken off because of cramp in that match.
Mohamed Elyounoussi is a major doubt for Southampton because of a tight hamstring. Scottish midfielder Stuart Armstrong has recovered from a knock.
Striker Danny Ings featured as a substitute last weekend and could start his first game for Saints.
MOTD COMMENTATOR’S NOTES
@Mark_Scott_: Everton fans were understandably enthused with what they saw in Marco Silva’s first game in charge, with the Toffees showing positivity and purpose even after going down to 10 men.
Throw Richarlison’s impressive debut and the rest of their summer transfer business into the mix and there’s likely to be a level of optimism that hasn’t been felt around Goodison Park for quite a while.
Southampton were disorganised and disjointed to start off with in their season opener, but looked much better after Mark Hughes made changes to both formation and personnel.
The introduction of Danny Ings was a major factor in their improvement and having only just left Liverpool he could well make his first Saints start on Merseyside.
VIEW FROM THE DUGOUT
Everton manager Marco Silva: “I’m looking forward to (my first home match). We will be very good for sure.
“We have to give our fans something special. I am sure the fans will support us every time and we need to give them a reason to support us every time.”
Southampton manager Mark Hughes: “[Everton] have made a big investment in the team and the manager so it may be now is the best time to play them given the changes they’ve undertaken.
“Games at Goodison are always difficult for opposition teams.”
LAWRO’S PREDICTION
The Everton fans will appreciate the football that new boss Marco Silva tries to play and there will be a great atmosphere for his first home game in charge – there always is at Goodison Park, no matter how good the team are.
Prediction: 2-0
Source: BBC News
