FRANK LAMPARD'S big Everton rebuild is beginning to take shape and the Goodison gaffer will be looking to build more momentum as they return from the international break with a Premier League trip to Southampton.
The Toffees boss had a tough task on his hands in the summer after watching his side dodge relegation by their skin of their teeth last term. But he recruited well, adding a British spine, and after losing their first two league games in the new campaign, Everton have now gone six matches unbeaten in all competitions.
They headed into the international break on a high after beating West Ham 1-0 at Goodison but Lampard needs his side deliver more victories if they're to move further clear of the drop zone.
Southampton sit level on points with Everton heading into this clash but their season stalled before the break, with successive 1-0 defeats to Wolves and Aston Villa taking the shine off a stirring 2-1 win over Chelsea.
Both those defeats came on the road though and Ralph Hasenhuttl will be hoping a return to St Mary's can help them get back on track.
Saints have a trip to the Etihad after this showdown with Everton so they will be desperate to halt that run of defeats and start looking up the table instead of down.
How the bookies view it
Home advantage makes Southampton the favourites for this one at a best 5/4 with SpreadEx. Everton's best price is 38/15 with VBet while the draw pays 28/11 at the same firm.
Recent head to head
There has been nothing between these teams of late, with the last 11 meetings producing four Everton wins, four Southampton victories and three draws.
The last four meetings have all ended in home wins, with Saints triumphing 2-0 at St Mary's last term after a 2-0 defeat on Merseyside.
Players to watch
Southampton have drawn blanks in the last two matches and have lacked a regular scorer since Danny Ings moved to Aston Villa. Their best bet for a goal could come from skipper James Ward-Prowse, who's so deadly from set-pieces. The midfielder is 10/3 with Paddy Power for anytime scorer.
Neal Maupay scored Everton's winner against West Ham on just his second appearance from the club after moving from Brighton. He will lead their line again and is 11/4 at Bet365 for another goal.
Anything else catch the eye?
Our man Mark cashed in by backing a lack of goalmouth action when Everton beat West Ham and I'd be surprised if this was a thriller. The last two Southampton games have produced just two goals in total while under 2.5 goals has landed in the last six for the Toffees.
I'm surprised under 2.5 goals isn't shorter than the 6/7 available here with SportNation and that looks a good option for accas. I also like the half-time draw and that pays 23/20 at Betway.
Amadou Onana has added more bite to Lampard's midfield and the young Belgian has collected two yellows already. He's 11/4 at Unibet for a card in this one and that looks a good option.
This game could turn into a bit of a scrap so the 11/10 on offer at the same firm for over 9.5 Southampton fouls also seems pretty good value.
This English Premier League match between Southampton and Everton will be played on Oct 1, 2022 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Southampton vs Everton prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
UTFT!!