Everton enter Saturday’s Premier League match against Southampton in solid form, riding a five-game unbeaten streak under manager Sean Dyche.
Contrastingly, Southampton, managed by Russell Martin, are still searching for their first win since their promotion to the top flight, and Paul Merson has shared his thoughts on the outcome.
Dyche has revitalised Everton’s campaign, securing two wins in the last five games and transforming the Toffees’ outlook.
Key player Dwight McNeil is in contention to feature, though his participation depends on how he feels closer to kick-off.
Despite their recent good run, one concerning stat lingers for Everton: they sit at the bottom of the Premier League for average possession, a vulnerability they may need to address against an ambitious, if struggling, Saints side.
Paul Merson, known for his candid predictions, has weighed in on the fixture.
Previously, Merson incorrectly predicted a Fulham win against Everton at Goodison Park, so his latest prediction has drawn some attention, especially considering his somewhat contradictory reasoning.
In his Sportskeeda column, Merson forecasts a 2-1 win for Southampton, despite suggesting that Everton will dominate.
“Everton will know exactly how Southampton will want to play against them. The Saints will take a million chances by trying to play out from the back, and Sean Dyche will have a plan ready. Someone should tell Southampton that stuff only works on PlayStation!”
He continued: “Everton are now five games unbeaten and are enjoying a bit of a good run. They will squeeze Southampton, and it will only be a matter of time before Everton score in my opinion.”
“If Ipswich and Southampton don’t win this weekend, that’s 20 league games between them without a win. These teams are definitely in trouble.”
Merson also remarked on the precarious position of both Southampton and Ipswich, highlighting that without wins this weekend, the two clubs would collectively go 20 games without victory, leaving them “definitely in trouble.”
McNeil’s potential absence could lead Dyche to shuffle his lineup. The winger is rated as a ‘touch-and-go’ selection, with a possible preference for rest against a Southampton side that has struggled for form.
McNeil has recently been deployed in a more central role, a position some Everton fans have suggested might suit Iliman Ndiaye, offering Dyche an alternative option in midfield.
In recent games, Jack Harrison has been effective on the right wing, while Jesper Lindstrom could be a natural fit on the left if Dyche maintains his current system.
This tactical flexibility could give Everton the upper hand against Southampton, particularly if Dyche opts for a cautious approach with McNeil, preserving his fitness for future clashes.
As Saturday’s match draws closer, Everton look poised to extend their unbeaten streak, while Southampton face mounting pressure to find a result.
Merson’s unconventional prediction adds an extra layer of intrigue, setting the stage for a potentially telling fixture for both clubs.