FRANK LAMPARD has the backing off Everton chief Farsad Moshiri as his bids to turn things around at Goodison but defeat to Southampton in this relegation six-pointer will have the fans screaming for his head.
After a dismal display in the 4-1 home defeat to Brighton, the Toffees turned in a much-improved display against Manchester United in the FA Cup but still ended up losing 3-1.
Going for goals paid off for me that night and Lampard desperately needs his defence to tighten up against Saints after going seven games without a clean sheet.
It's now eight games without a win in all competitions for Everton, a horror run that has seen them drop to third bottom, and fans will stage a protest against the board after this clash.
Southampton's league form is even worse, with six successive defeats sending them to the foot of the table, but new gaffer Nathan Jones has eased the pressure with back-to-back cup wins.
After seeing off Crystal Palace in the FA Cup, Saints caused a massive shock in midweek as they sent Manchester City crashing out of the Carabao Cup with a 2-0 victory.
Slips Tips was one of many who had their coupons busted and Jones will be hoping the huge shot of confidence from that triumph over City can help end their league troubles at Goodison.
How the bookies view it
Despite their dismal form, Everton are the favourites with home advantage at a best 13/10 with Betfair. Southampton look overpriced at 12/5 with Unibet after their midweek heroics while the draw pays 49/20 with the same firm.
Recent head to head
There hasn't been much between these sides in recent seasons with the last 12 meetings producing five Everton wins, four Southampton victories and three draws. It ended in a 2-1 triumph for the Toffees when they came to St Mary's earlier in the season.
Players to watch
Demarai Gray has been the only forward chipping in with goals for Everton, with the winger scoring three times in his last six games. He's 4/1 with Paddy Power for anytime scorer in this one which looks decent value.
James Ward-Prowse is always a goal threat for Southampton thanks to his set-piece prowess. He also takes the penalties and is 19/4 at Unibet to grab his sixth goal of the season.
Anything else catch the eye?
With so much at stake for both teams, I'm expecting a tense and nervy 90 minutes. The half-time draw is always worth a shout in matches like this and it pays 23/20 with Unibet. I also like the 5/4 on offer at McBookie for either side to win by a one-goal margin.
The card markets are also worth a look and Everton appeal for most bookings at 7/5 with Bet365. Amadou Onana has amassed four yellows in his last five games and is 2/1 with Bet365 for another card here. The Belgian is also 17/20 at Unibet to commit over 1.5 fouls.
We saw 13 corners when these sides faced off at St Mary's earlier this season and that makes over 10 corners worth a punt here at 11/10 with Bet365.
This English Premier League match between Everton and Southampton will be played on Jan 14, 2023 and kick off at 15:00. Check below for our tipsters best Everton vs Southampton prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
