Prediction and odds for the game: Everton (21/20) v Southampton (13/5)

We are backing the home win

When: Thursday, 9th July 2020, Kick-off 18:00

Where: Goodison Park

On Thursday evening, Everton host Southampton at Goodison Park in the Premier League, as the home side look to keep their slim hopes of European football alive.

Everton

The home side has produced mostly positive performances and displays since the restart. However, a 1-0 defeat at Tottenham in a turgid game last time out was certainly one to forget. A Michael Keane own goal was the deciding factor. Both the goals the Toffees have conceded after the break have been somewhat unfortunate.

The defeat against Tottenham leaves Carlo Ancelotti’s team four points off Tottenham, who now occupy the final European qualification spot in the Premier League. The team from Merseyside will be looking to bounce straight back from that awful performance in north London and record a home win.

Home has been where the heart is for Everton of late. The Toffees are unbeaten in nine top-flight matches at Goodison Park. However, three of their last five league games on home soil have finished in draws. Despite a recent defensive improvement, the home side has kept just one clean sheet in their last five games on home soil in the Premier League.

Southampton

The visitors are in good form travelling to Merseyside, having won three of their last four games in the Premier League. Last time out, Ralph Hasenhuttl’s team recorded a 1-0 win over former champions Manchester City. In truth, the team from the south coast were fortunate to gain the win, although they did work hard defensively.

The game did bring a rare clean sheet for the visitors, who have had just three clean sheets in their last nine games in the Premier League. The victory also means that Southampton are now just a point behind their hosts in the table.

The Saints have been dangerous on the road, as they have won six of their last eight away games in the Premier League, including at Norwich and Watford in their last two league matches on their travels. Hasenhuttl’s team has been impressive in front of goal on the road of late, scoring at least two goals in each of those six away wins.

One factor that works against an away win in this clash is the Saints poor record at Goodison Park, as they have failed to win on the blue half of Merseyside in their last 14 visits in all competitions.

Conclusion

Southampton head into this game in the better form of the two teams. However, Everton seem to perform better on home soil and there is likely to be a reaction to that awful display at Spurs. That is why we are backing the home win. We are also backing over 2.5 goals to be scored, as Everton tend to score on home soil, while the Saints have been prolific on their travels of late.

Verdict: We are backing the home win at odds 21/20 and/or over 2.5 goals scored at odds of 10/11. (All odds are taken from Bet365).

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Will Everton keep their faint European hopes alive at Goodison Park?