Southampton v Everton Tip

It’s always quite tricky to predict the immediate impact of a controversial managerial sacking and swift appointment at a club. I think the best bet is that in the very short term players will carry on as normal; so for Mauricio Pochettino’s debut I’m essentially going to regard it like I would a Nigel Adkins’ match.

Regardless of whom the home boss was, this was always going to feel like a match that could go either way. Southampton have steadied the ship with only two defeats in 12 games while Everton continue to pursue the top four.

I think the key to getting a feel for this game lies with the visitors. Until last weekend, the Toffees always scored and always conceded. In fact, their previous 11 Premier League fixtures all ended 1-1 or 2-1 and therefore all had 2-3 goals in them. Betfred offer us best odds of 21/20 on that pattern continuing and it looks like a value bet.

The crazy high-scoring Southampton games of early season are now very rare but yet you never expect a goalless draw either. Best odds of 8/11 (Betfred) on both teams scoring appeals less, so let’s take the 2-3 goals in the match option as a decent alternative.