Everton and Southampton head into their EFL Cup clash with identical forms. Both teams claimed their only win since the start of the season in the previous round of the competition.
The common opinion before the start of the season was that both Everton and Southampton would fight for their place in the Premier League this year. But no one could predict that both sides would lose their first four games of the campaign.
While Everton had one of the toughest schedules, losing all four with a 4:13 goal difference is a talent. Sean Dyche's time as their manager may be coming to an end if the team also loses its place in the EFL Cup.
Worst of all, these were no ordinary defeats. A 0-3 to Brighton to kick off the season, followed by 4-0 to Tottenham. And then the most recent two had the same script. Everton were leading 2-0 against Bournemouth and Aston Villa but managed to lose both games.
The Cherries hit the net three times after the 87th minute while Villa took the reins in the 2nd half and left them no crumbs, casually scoring three as well.
On the positive side, we saw that Everton have scoring abilities. And this is something that is yet to be seen from Southampton, who stand right above the Toffees in the relegation zone in the PL. The Saints are the only other team to lose all four games to date.
Southampton's performances confirm that the team will struggle this whole season. They may have conceded less than Everton but unlike them, The Saints failed to produce any chances in their last three games.
How the bookies view it: The Toffees to slide into the next round
Bookmakers estimated Everton's chances to be significantly more prominent ahead of this fixture. Unibet priced the hosts at 1/1 while the away odds currently sit at 13/5. Alternatively, you can bet on the draw at 12/5.
Recent head to head: Tight rivalry
Everton and Southampton have not met in a while since the Saints spent a year in the Championship. The recent meetings between Everton and Southampton have all been tightly contested, with neither side dominating this particular fixture over the last few seasons.
Most recently in the 2022-2023 season, both teams secured a win apiece. Everton won 2-1 at St. Mary's, while Southampton grabbed a crucial 2-1 victory at Goodison Park in the reverse fixture. This history suggests we could be in for another close contest.
Players to watch: Look for this youngster
With over 200 appearances for Everton, Dominic Calvert-Lewin has proven his loyalty to the club. The last few seasons have not been great for him but he is beginning to find his form in the new campaign. Lewin scored twice and assisted once in the last two games but it remains to be seen if he will be given any minutes in the EFL Cup.
Cameron Archer played in all five of Southampton's games this season and scored a brace in the last EFL Cup fixture against Cardiff. Goalscorer odds are not yet available but look for his name once bookmakers open the markets.
Probable line-ups
Everton: Pickford, O'Brien, Young, Garner, Tarkowski, Lindstrom, Doucoure, McNeil, Iroegbunam, Ndiaye, Beto
Southampton: McCarthy, Bree, Harwood-Bellis, Taylor, Edwards, Lallana, Aribo, Mateus Fernandes, Armstrong, Fraser, Amo-Ameyaw
Anything else catch the eye?
Both sides need to regain some confidence after the horrible season start. Everton are the betting favourites and we have to back them ahead of this fixture.
The Saints beat Everton at Goodison Park in their most recent visit but their current form makes it impossible to trust them. There will be rotations and we will see younger line-ups on both ends, which also suggests more goals.
A scoreline in the range of 2-1 feels realistic. The Toffees look more dangerous in the final third and it is up to their defence to make sure they don't give Southampton any easy chances.
This EFL Cup match between Everton and Southampton will be played on Sep 17, 2024 and kick off at 19:45. 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.
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