Everton can shift the pressure of expectancy back on to
Arsenal in the scramble for a UEFA Champions League spot with a win at
Southampton.
Having bounced back from a 3-2 home defeat to Crystal
Palace with a 2-0 Premier League win against Manchester United last weekend - a
result that prompted the departure of former Goodison Park boss David Moyes -
Everton remain a point adrift of fourth-placed Arsenal, who undoubtedly have
the easier run-in.
Arsene Wenger's men are due to host Newcastle United on
Monday and West Brom before ending the season at Norwich City, while Everton
meet Manchester City and Hull City after Saturday's trip to Southampton.
That means Roberto Martinez's side can ill-afford a
slip-up this weekend if they are to pip Arsenal to fourth.
One factor that could work in Everton's favour at St
Mary's Stadium is that Southampton have little to play for as they close in on
a top-half finish.
That lack of incentive could go some way to explaining
Southampton's recent run of having won just one of their last five games in the
league, but their home record against Everton will be cause for optimism.
The Merseysiders have failed to win in their last four
visits to the south coast and have triumphed in just one of their last 12
matches against this weekend's hosts.
If Everton can break that duck at Southampton's current
ground, they will win their fourth away league game in a row for the first time
since December 1985, but Martinez knows it will not be a straightforward task.
"(In terms of) football concepts they're one of most
attractive teams in the league," he said. "There's a bravery about
the way they play. Young players have big roles.
"It shows you the incredible progress they've had.
We know we're going to face a really difficult team but in our eyes it's
another very important game to be as good as we can.
"It's going to be one of the biggest tests we'll
face this season."
Jay Rodriguez's season is over for Southampton and Mauricio
Pochettino's men have not found the net in two games since the striker picked
up a knee ligament injury against Manchester City three weeks ago.
Everton, meanwhile, will be without Kevin Mirallas
(groin) for the remainder of 2013-14 and Lacina Traore (hamstring) is another
set to miss the club's remaining three fixtures.
The visitors' biggest blow is that Sylvain Distin
(hamstring) is unavailable for selection, and Martinez is reluctant to risk
fellow centre-back Phil Jagielka (hamstring), meaning John Stones and Antolin
Alcaraz will likely be partnered at the back.
Culled from Soccerway
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