Southampton v Everton: 5 Key Tactical Battles

After the crucial victory over Leeds United last weekend, Frank Lampard and his Everton team face another important match against an in-form Southampton side away on Saturday afternoon.

Although a five point gap has opened up over the relegation zone Lampard will be mindful that if Everton don’t pick up any points at Southampton then that gap will likely to be narrowed the following week at least when they take on champions elect Manchester City.

Ralph Hasenhuttl has overseen a brilliant few weeks as Saints boss, a draw with Manchester City, winning a five goal thriller at Spurs and a good point at Manchester United has seen the south coast side get into mid table security.

After a very poor start to the season which included a 3-1 defeat at Goodison Park on the first day of the season it has been a creditable group of results that has seen the Saints go above Everton and are now seven points clear of their opponents on Saturday.

Part of this article will look at how Southampton have picked up their form and how vital James Ward-Prowse is to the success of the team.

Everton have had the most settled week since Lampard took charge and with not much movement of players available to him will have put some good work in at the training ground this week, we will analyse how he might shape up on Saturday.

How key will Donny Van De Beek be again on Saturday and will we see a change in formation in midfield or keep the successful tandem with Allan from last week.

Demariai Gray is still missing from the Everton squad this weekend so options are limited up front, will Lampard stick with the fluid and movement of last week against Leeds or ask players to stay out wide more?

Set pieces could be key on Saturday and with Ward-Prowse Southampton have one of the best takers of them. We will analyse how Everton must counter act this and reduce the risk from the Saints’ most potent weapon.