James Rodriguez will be the go-to man to unlock the Southampton defence.
James Rodriguez vs Jannik Vestergaard
This was hinted at earlier when I said Rodriguez would be the team’s focal point in this game. With his tendency to drift inside, he’ll more than likely be battling with Southampton’s towering Dane Jannik Vestergaard, who has been extremely impressive for the Saints this season.
At first, I considered Vestergaard battling against Calvert-Lewin, but due to Southampton’s high-pressure system, Rodriguez will more than likely spend a lot of time drifting inside and trying to get a shot off from distance.
Rodriguez has been fantastic ever since joining the Toffees, providing the creativity that Everton have needed for a few years now, with his ability to spot a pass or run leading to him grabbing five goals and four assists for Ancelotti’s side.
The Colombian also average 0.60 goals and assists per 90 minutes, meaning that Rodriguez contributes to a goal every two games for the Toffees. He’s also lethal from outside the box, with his goal against Leicester being a prime example of this, and if he’s able to create an inch of space he can create a chance from it.
Vestergaard, similarly to Ward-Prowse, is a player who has gone completely under the radar even though you could argue he’s been one of the better centre-backs in the Premier League this season, with the big Dane averaging a 7.15, which is third for centre-backs in the Premier League, only behind Kurt Zouma and John Stones.
Vestergaard has contributed to three goals for Southampton, with his towering 6’5 frame making him extremely dangerous from set-pieces. With Ward-Prowse taking them, Vestergaard could end up punishing Everton if he catches them sleeping.