Southampton will be looking to bounce back from last week’s 0-0 draw with Aston Villa when Everton travel to the south coast this weekend. The Saints have suffered from a dip in form in recent weeks and haven’t managed a Premier League win in their last four matches. A win on Saturday will take Mauricio Pochettino’s side to within just two points of their record Premier League points tally of 54; which they achieved when they finished 10th in 1994/95.
With top scorer Jay Rodriguez still out injured, Southampton will be looking at Rickie Lambert to provide the goals needed to beat in-form Everton this weekend. Lambert has made 34 Premier League appearances so far this season scoring 11 goals in the process. According to the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index Lambert has had 74 shots this season, with 50% of his efforts hitting the target.
Adam Lallana will be looking to continue his impressive season on Saturday as he looks to secure his place in Roy Hodgson’s England World Cup squad. Lallana has made 35 Premier League appearances so far this season and has made 144 attacking contributions (shots on target, assists, dribbles and crosses), including 9 assists, 24 crosses and 67 dribbles.
Jose Fonte looks set to partner Dejan Lovren at centre back again on Saturday as the Saints look for a second consecutive clean sheet. The Portuguese defender made 9 defensive contributions (tackles won, clearances, interceptions and blocks) against Villa last weekend, including 8 clearances.
Everton will be looking to continue their run of recent good form when they travel to St Mary’s on Saturday. Last weekend’s 2-0 win over Manchester United was the Toffees 8th win in 9 Premier league matches, and they are just one point behind Arsenal who sit in 4th place.
Romelu Lukaku will be looking to add to his 13 Premier League goals this weekend. The on-loan Chelsea man has been in fine form this term, making 112 attacking contributions (shots on target, assists, dribbles and crosses), hitting the target with 61% of his efforts at goal.
Seamus Coleman put in another impressive display in last weekend’s win over Man United last weekend. As well as his three defensive contributions the full back also made seven attacking contributions (shots on target, assists, dribbles and crosses), including two crosses and one assist. The Republic of Ireland international’s assist against United was his 2nd of the season.
Leighton Baines will be another player looking to impress Roy Hodgson this weekend, as he pushes for a place in this summer’s England World Cup squad. The left back has made 29 Premier League appearances for Everton this season and the EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he has made 202 defensive contributions (tackles won, clearances, interceptions and blocks), including 17 last weekend. Baines has also managed 5 goals this term and is currently the 3rd highest top scoring defender in the Premier League.