Everton – Southampton will be an intriguing clash at Goodison Park on Saturday (start time 10am ET on NBCSN and online via NBCSports.com) as Rafael Benitez returns to the Premier League as manager, while the Saints face without several experienced players they have moved to this summer.
STREAM EVERTON – SOUTHAMPTON LIVE
Benitez received a lukewarm reception (at best) from Everton loyalists as ex-Liverpool boost replaced Carlo Ancelotti this summer after the latter left ship to return to Real Madrid. Benitez has a solid squad at Everton, but he needs to set Richarlison, Calvert-Lewin and maybe James Rodriguez (if he stays) on fire if they want to make the top six.
As for Southampton, it was a big summer of ins and outs for the Saints as Hasenhuttl lost experienced trio Danny Ings, Ryan Bertrand and Jannik Vestergaard. They bought Adam Armstrong, Romain Perraud and Tino Livramento and have a very young squad as a lot of people think they could be relegated.
Here’s everything you need to know before Everton v. Southampton.
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Team news
Everton have Richarlison in the starting lineup again, just days after playing a key role in Brazil winning gold at Tokyo 2020 and after competing in the Copa America earlier this summer. Andros Townsend and Demarai Gray make their Premier League debuts for Everton after their summer arrivals, while Jordan Pickford is back after a long break and will be the key to the goal. André Gomes and Jean-Philippe Gbamin are fighting to be in shape. Dominic Calvert-Lewin starts after overcoming a blow.
𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠 𝗡𝗘𝗪𝗦! ??
Your Everton team to face Southampton …#EVESOU #COYB pic.twitter.com/ajXzJgWw6J
– Everton (@Everton) August 14, 2021
Southampton have captain James Ward-Prowse in good shape to start as he missed the last few weeks of training and preseason games, with a knee injury. With Aston Villa and Tottenham chasing JWP, the Saints are hopeful he’s fit to lead them this season as they don’t want to sell their skipper and free-kick specialist. Adam Armstrong, Perraud and Tino Livramento all make their Southampton debuts.
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?? @ AdamArma9The #SaintsFC side to open on 2021/22 #PL campaign against #EFC: pic.twitter.com/C9AeMwC4or
– Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) August 14, 2021
Ends and ends (Full odds provided by our partner, PointsBet)
Everton are the overwhelming favorites at -112, while Southampton are an underdog at +300 and it’s been a long, long time since they won at Goodison Park. The draw is +250.
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Prediction
It’s hard to see past Everton here, especially given how many players Southampton have lost this summer, but a draw seems likely. Everton 1-1 Southampton.
How to watch Everton – Southampton, broadcast and start the hour
Kick-off: 10 a.m. ET, Saturday
TV Channel: NBCSN
In line: Stream online via NBCSports.com
