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Everton: 3 Key player battles for Everton vs Southampton

By Callum Brannan

Southampton's Austrian manager Ralph Hasenhuttl (R) shakes hands with Everton's Italian head coach Carlo Ancelotti after the English Premier League football match between Southampton and Everton at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton, southern England, on October 25, 2020. (Photo by Andy Rain / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by ANDY RAIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Southampton's Austrian manager Ralph Hasenhuttl (R) shakes hands with Everton's Italian head coach Carlo Ancelotti after the English Premier League football match between Southampton and Everton at St Mary's Stadium in Southampton, southern England, on October 25, 2020. (Photo by Andy Rain / POOL / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / (Photo by ANDY RAIN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Everton
Everton (Photo by Naomi Baker/Getty Images) /

Allan has missed almost two months of action due to injury.

Allan vs James Ward-Prowse

The game against Southampton should hopefully see the return of Allan, his first game back since Everton’s win at the King Power back in December. The Toffees have missed their pitbull in midfield, with Carlo Ancelotti using players like Abdoulaye Doucoure and Tom Davies to fill the gaping hole left by Allan’s injury.

Allan is a natural-born leader and was extremely impressive before his injury, with his energy and talking ability making him one of the best defensive midfielders in the Premier League. One problem could be Allan’s stamina, with most Everton fans not expecting the full 90 minutes from the Brazilian.

He’s still ranked third in the Premier League for tackles per game with 3.4, and his 1.7 dribbles per game are a telling sign of Allan’s ability to win the ball and then drive it up the field to create chances for Everton.

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James Ward-Prowse has been vital to the success of Southampton; the 26-year old has always been an underrated gem of a midfielder, but this season he’s really shone, being arguably one of the standout midfielders in the Premier League and staying at a very consistent level even during the Saints’ struggles.

The Englishman has five goals and five assists, with four of his goals coming from direct free-kicks, gaining the Southampton academy graduate comparisons to David Beckham for his dead-ball abilities.

Both midfielders are absolute workhorses, willing to do anything to help their clubs earn three points, which will lead to an exciting battle between the two players. One problem is Allan’s tendency to give away fouls, something that Ward-Prowse could punish Everton if the Toffees continue to give away silly fouls.

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