Can Everton Stop Graziano Pelle?

Everton are set to visit Southampton on Saturday as they look to build up some momentum ahead of one of the busiest periods of the season.

Ahead of their fiercest rivals Liverpool in the league table on goal difference they’ll be looking to push even further ahead as The Reds are nearly sure to lose against Arsenal when they meet on Sunday.

Three points against The Saints this weekend would really give The Toffees a massive boost, but it’s not going to be an easy task.

Ronald Koeman has worked wonders since he came on board before the beginning of the season and he’s transformed the club from relegation candidates in Champions League prospects.

Faltering somewhat in recent weeks, they’ve had to face tough opponent after tough opponent in their last few matches. And the form guide isn’t exactly their best friend right now as it shows that they’ve lost their last four league matches.

With seven Premier League goals to his account already, the Italy international star is the hosts’ top scorer so far this season

Of course, in that time they’ve been confronted with both of Manchester’s finest as well as Arsenal and a feisty Burnley – so it’s really been a time to batten down the hatches.

That said, however, they remain a team who can do some real damage and they’ve not lost any of their bite. In fact, they really ought to have picked up at least three points from their last four games, if not for some poor finishing and lack of composure.

No doubt they’ll have learned from their recent mistakes and will be out to do some damage against Roberto Martinez’s men.

And with home advantage behind them, this has the capacity to be their much-needed season refresher.

Key to the outcome of this Saturday’s showdown is Graziano Pelle, and Everton will be more wary of him than any other player on the pitch. In essence, if they can keep him quiet, they’ll be one step closer to picking up some points from their trip to St Mary’s.

With seven Premier League goals to his account already – one more than Romelu Lukaku – the Italy international star is the hosts’ top scorer so far this season and although his rate of conversion has slowed somewhat in recent weeks, he remains a potent threat.

The last goal he score was in Southampton’s 2-1 loss to Manchester United, but he’s already proven himself against some of the most in-form teams this season by netting against West Ham United and Newcastle United – two fellow dark horses.

As reported by the club’s official website, Steven Naismith is determined to shut Pelle down, underlining just how focused they’re going to be when the afternoon kick-off encounter gets under-way. The Blues know he’s a real danger man and might well look to mark him out of the game:

"“Pelle especially has started very well. He is probably more of the old-fashioned style big centre forward which can be awkward for defenders to deal with. His goal record so far this season has been very impressive.”"

Looking at Everton’s defensive record, however, it doesn’t bode well that they’ll be able to keep him contained. With 24 goals against them already, they’ve let in the same number of strikes as relegation strugglers Burnley, Crystal Palace and Sunderland.

Still, that hasn’t stopped the Scottish international from vocalising his belief in Everton’s back-line:

"“For our defenders it is probably going to be a different proposition going up against someone like him. Thankfully they faced Bobby Zamora in our last game against QPR who is similar in terms of stature.“It will be a different challenge for our defence but we have quality defenders at this football club which should be able to handle him.”"

Make no mistake, this match will be one of their biggest tests yet and without the home support of the Goodison Park faithful behind them, the odds are already stacked against them. But buoyed by their recent 3-1 win over Queens Park Rangers and with an extra dollop of belief, this is a match they could get something out of.

All that remains to be seen now is just how effective they are in nullifying the deadliness of Pelle in the 18-yard-box. Interesting times await.

Do you think Everton are good enough to silence Pelle?