Betting: Koeman would settle for a point on St Mary’s return
All eyes will be on Ronald Koeman as he returns to Southampton for the first time this weekend, as his Everton side travel to St Mary’s on Sunday.
The Dutch manager enjoyed two successful years with the Saints, guiding them to sixth place last year, their highest ever Premier League finish.
However, he switched the south coast for Merseyside in the summer, meaning there could be a frosty reception for the otherwise popular boss.
His replacement, Claude Puel, has picked up where Koeman left off, with his resilient team holding Manchester City and Liverpool to draws.
However, he’ll want to improve on their current position of 11th before the season’s end.
Koeman’s new side Everton have also enjoyed a creditable campaign, sitting in seventh, though have only won one of their last eight in all competitions.
With Yannick Bolasie and Romelu Lukaku providing plenty of energy up front, and Ashley Williams settling in well at the back, Europe is definitely in sight after a miserable last term for the Toffees.
These evenly matched teams drew 1-1 when they met in April.
Southampton have drawn five of their 12 league matches this term, and Everton four, which makes me think another deadlock could be on the cards.
As Koeman knows, a point is rarely a bad result at St Mary’s.
Since the start of 2016, only one team, Chelsea (twice) have been victorious over the Saints.
I think he’ll be more than happy to leave his former side with a draw, which is 5/2 with Betway.
While both teams boast highly rated strikers in Charlie Austin and Romelu Lukaku, they haven’t been firing of late.
Southampton have just two goals in their last four league games, with Everton netting just four times in that spell.
A cagey game awaits, and I will be selling goals at 2.45 with Sporting Index.
Pointers
Draw – 5/2 (Betway)
Sell total goals – 2.45 (Sporting Index)