Southampton v Everton: 5 Key Tactical Battles

Ward-Prowse is the key offensive weapon for Southampton

5. Everton will be severely tested at set pieces

Before last Saturday it became a ritual for Everton to concede a goal from a set piece. Even with Paul Clement taking over set piece coaching on the training ground, Frank Lampard has seen at first hand how much a big task this will be.

Against Newcastle last week Everton conceded a goal direct from a corner, albeit Yerry Mina had just been injured and subbed off meaning they lost their best header in defence, just a minute after taking the lead.

This has been a common theme throughout the last few months, goals at Crystal Palace and at home to Brighton and Aston Villa really exposed Everton’s fragile defensive make up at set pieces.

Against Southampton on Saturday they will face possibly the most consistent and deadly set piece taker in the Premier League, certainly on current form this would be the case, in James Ward-Prowse.

His delivery for an English footballer is up there with the best, even David Beckham would be impressed with the Southampton’s man form and technique.

A recent free kick against Wolves was possibly the best free kick seen in the Premier League for a number of seasons, right up there with direct free kicks scored by Cristiano Ronaldo, Leighton Baines and David Beckham. Take a look for yourself and see what you think from the video below:

He also has the best Premier League scoring record from direct free kicks out of current players in any team:

Therefore, I am sure the message to the Everton players from Clement and Lampard will be to not give any free kicks around the area, even in a wide position. This can be managed, however stopping corners is a different issue and sometimes cannot be avoided.

Also, a slight worry is the ease Kieran Trippier scored a free kick past Jordon Pickford at Newcastle last week, certainly he will have to expect to be worked well if Ward-Prowse is lining up a free kick within 30 yards.

In terms of corners Everton must be watchful of the Southampton centre backs and the front two of Adams and Broja as they attack the edge of the six yard box intensely knowing the delivery from Ward-Prowse will be accurate time and time again.

If Everton can curb the efforts from corners and limit the free kick opportunities for Ward-Prowse and Southampton then the win possibility will go up enormously.

As mentioned before Southampton do struggle to maintain the intense pressing and style for a full 90 minutes and Everton will get times in the game to dominate.

Notably, there have been comments this week in regards to Southampton having players go down for treatment halfway through the second half, something that was even asked to Lampard in his pre-match press conference.

While he said it was not an issue and many teams do this, it may mean game management will be another key thing to watch.

Certainly, you would feel goals will happen at St Mary’s on Saturday, both teams have lacked clean sheets but do score goals in almost all their matches.