St Mary’s quietly confident as the Saints play host to Everton

Despite a disappointing cup defeat midweek, the 2-1 win away to Leicester last weekend where the Saints had 10 men for the most part, highlighted the feeling among supporters that Ralph Hasenhuttl is starting to build something rather special.

Already winning the same amount of games in the Premier League as former boss Mark Hughes did, the former RB Leipzig boss has instantly had a galvanizing effect on the club. Amassing seven points in the last three away games, Ralph Hasenhuttl has found the formula away from home. However, winning at home has been far more difficult. Starting with the Toffees, Saints will be looking to make St Mary’s a fortress if they are to escape the drop.

James Ward Prowse celebrates giving Southampton the lead at the King Power – www.independent.co.uk

For Everton, consistency has been hard to find under Marco Silva. After a bright start to his tenure at Goodison, Everton have been struggling to string a run of results together and build upon their early season promise.

Currently sitting in tenth place but just two points off seventh, the Toffees know they need to win in order to keep ground with fellow rivals. With questions marks starting to appear regarding Marco Silva, the Chairman has commented on the club’s inconsistencies.

“Consistency has been an issue but we have had some terrific performances and the challenge in the second half (of the season) is to have more of those performances.” – Farhad Moshiri.

The Saints have been given a major boost ahead of the fixture as they are set to welcome back the quartet of Danny Ings from injury and Pierre Hojbjerg, Charlie Austin and Yan Valery from their respective suspensions. The game may have come too soon for Mario Lemina and Ryan Bertrand, who are still feeling pain during training sessions according to Ralph Hasenhuttl. The Austrian will also be without young forward Michael Obafemi who has been out of action since a hamstring injury in Saints’ 3-1 win over Huddersfield on December 22. Meanwhile, trio Idrissa Gueye, Andre Gomes and Bernard are ruled out of the clash for Everton.

Everton make the trip from Merseyside to Southampton in a three o’clock kick off this Saturday.