Southampton are near enough certain to finish in the top half of the Premier League for the first time since 2003. It looks as though eighth is the highest they could finish but providing there is not a dramatic end of season turnaround, it will mark a terrific first full season in charge for Mauricio Pochettino. They head into this weekend’s game with Everton in a bit of a rut, though, having won just once in their last five. Defeats away to Spurs and Manchester City would not have been unexpected; the major surprise was the home loss to Cardiff earlier this month. It was the first time they have lost at St Mary’s to a side in the bottom half this season. It’s a good indication of how consistent they have been and they will be hoping they can rediscover that form over their last three games.
After seeing off Manchester United last weekend in what turned out to be David Moyes’ last game in charge of the United, Everton are still in with a chance of finishing fourth and securing the final Champions League spot. Like Southampton, they too have suffered a shock home defeat with the 3-1 reverse against Crystal Palace last midweek. It allowed Arsenal to leapfrog them and hold a one point advantage heading into the final three weeks of the season. Roberto Martiez would have been disappointed to relinquish fourth but he would have been delighted with their response against last year’s Champions. Another reason for optimism for the Toffee’s is the fact they have a better goal difference than Arsenal which could prove crucial in determining who finishes where.
It’s hard not to get away from how far Southampton have come in such a short space of time. Traditionally, the second season is often more difficult for a newly promoted side as the other side’s become accustomed to their style of play. It’s been the exact opposite from the team on the south coast of England. They are already eight points better off, have scored one more goal and conceded 15 less than they had in their first season back.
If Everton are to qualify for the Champions League then they are going to have to be at their best between now and the end of the season. As well as the trip to Southampton they still have to play Manchester City at home before travelling to Hull. I’m sure it’s a position which every Evertonian would have bitten your hand off if offered to them in August, but it’s certainly going to be a tough ask.
Both of these sides have enjoyed terrific season’s to date but both manager will be all too well aware of the importance of finishing as high as possible. Everton have the greater need, of course, considering they are a point off a potentially lucrative crack at the Champions League. The Saints will be looking to finish on a high, particularly the England contingent looking to book their place on the flight to Brazil. Everton have to go for this knowing that they are likely to need all nine points to finish fourth and that should mean there’s plenty of attacking opportunities for both teams.
Over 2.5 goals 17/20 @ Ladbrokes
