We're only nine games into the Premier League season but this clash with Everton already looks like a must-win for Southampton if they're to avoid an instant return to the Championship.
Russell Martin's side got plenty of plaudits for their display at the Etihad last weekend but they still emerged with no points after a 1-0 loss and remain red-hot favourites for relegation.
Saints have collected just one point so far and even that draw would have felt like a defeat after they conceded a late leveller at home to relegation rivals Ipswich.
They now have games with Everton and Wolves that could hold the key to their fate, with a really difficult run of fixtures on the horizon after that.
Everton also started the season poorly and propped up the pile after four successive defeats. But they have since gone five league games without defeat and a win here would move Sean Dyche's side 11 points clear of rock-bottom Saints.
How the bookies view it: Drop rivals can't be split
Betano are sitting on the fence for this one, with both teams priced at 31/20 for the win. The draw pays 12/5.
Recent head to head: Everton just have their noses in front
This fixture has been closely contested in recent years, with the last 12 meetings producing five Everton wins, four Southampton victories and three draws.
These clubs faced off in the League Cup earlier this season and it was Saints who edged it, winning on penalties after a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park. But when Everton last visited St Mary's in 2022 they claimed a 2-1 win.
Players to watch: Ndiaye of the tiger
Iliman Nidiaye was Everton's big summer signing and he has made a decent impact so far, netting three times in 11 appearances. He's 13/8 with Bet365 to either score or assist here and that looks a decent price.
Cameron Archer should lead the line for Saints and he's in good form, with two goals in his last three outings. The former Aston Villa kid will be their best hope of a goal in this game and he's 11/4 at Bet365 for anytime scorer.
Probable line-ups
Martin made some changes for Southampton's midweek League Cup win over Stoke but should revert to his strongest side here. Gavin Bazunu, Will Smallbone and Ross Stewart are still injured while Ryan Fraser went off early with a problem in the clash with Stoke.
Everton are hoping Dwight McNeill recovers from a knee injury in time to feature while James Garner, Dele Alli, Armando Broja, Youssef Chermiti and Timothy Iroegbunam remain injured.
Southampton: Ramsdale, Walker-Peters, Manning, Harwood-Bellis, Sugawara, Bednarek, Downes, Aribo, Fernandes, Dibling, Archer.
Everton: Pickford, Branthwaite, Tarkowski, Young, Mykolenko, McNeil, Ndiaye, Harrison, Doucoure, Gueye, Calvert-Lewin.
Anything else catch the eye?
Southampton have to go for the win and Everton will be dangerous on the break so it bodes well for goals at both ends. BTTS is just 8/13 with Betano but adding on over 2.5 goals boost the odds to 21/20 at Bet365.
With so much at stake we could see a few cards in this one. Over 42.5 booking points pays 5/6 at Betfred while Everton appeal at 6/4 with the same firm for most booking points.
Veteran Toffees right-back Ashley Young could be up against exciting young winger Tyler Dibling and that makes him a good candidate for a card at 3/1 with Bet365.
This English Premier League match between Southampton and Everton will be played on Nov 2, 2024 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.
