Southampton v Everton: Pelle to march Saints to all three points

Southampton v Everton
Saturday, August 15, 12:45
Live on BT Sport 1

Southampton

Saints assistant manager Erwin Koeman felt that his side should have left St James' Park with three points after Sadio Maine missed two late chances to win the match 3-2. But concluded that it was a decent point with which to kick-off the new season.

Graziano Pellè had opened the scoring for Saints with his third goal of the season beforeShane Long equalised 11 minutes from the end, after conceding either side of half-time to fall behind in the game. Pellè's goal was his third of the campaign already following one in each of the Europa League qualifiers, while Long was notching his second in the same number of games.

Ronald Koeman watched the game from home following surgery on his Achilles, but will return to the dugout this weekend.

Team News: Oriol Romeu could make his debut after completing a £5million move from Chelsea, but it's unlikely that Virgil Van Dijk will line-up in red and white stripes this weekend despite Southampton being in talks with Celtic regarding the player.

Ryan Bertrand and Jordy Clasie are each doubtful with minor injuries, while Fraser Forster remains a long-term absentee.

Everton

The Toffees also kicked off the season with a 2-2 draw as they twice equalised against newly-promoted Watford last Saturday. Roberto Martinez, however, was left disappointed by the performance and result and suggested that he needs three more signings if his team are to be competitive this season. On the evidence of that opening game, it's difficult to argue with him.

There were some positives to take from the draw though. Arouna Kone's late equaliser was only his second goal in 18 appearances (seven of which were as a substitute) for the club since signing over two years ago - perhaps the Ivorian can finally put his injury torment behind him - and Ross Barkley marked the start of a new season with a screamer of a goal as well as an impressive performance to suggest that the summer's break may have revitalised him.

Team News: The extent of Leighton Baines' recent injury remains unclear, although the 30-year-old will definitely miss this weekend's game. Darron Gibson, Tony Hibbert, Aiden McGeady and Steven Pienaar are all also out with long-term injuries, but Kevin Mirallas is expected to be available for selection and Gerard Deulofeu and Muhamed Besic may be considered for inclusion in the first team squad.

Match Odds

Everton's record in this fixture is particularly poor. Southampton are unbeaten in six Premier League meetings on the south coast and the Toffees have failed to score on each of their last three visits to St. Mary's.

The absence of captain Baines is also disconcerting given that Roberto Martinez's side havewon only two of eight games since the start of last season without the defender in the team.

I fancy Southampton for the three points this weekend, they looked the sharper of the two sides on the opening weekend and were particularly strong on home soil last season. That said, I'm not overly enamoured by odds of 2.00 and would probably rather put my money elsewhere.

Over/Under 2.5 Goals

Over the last three seasons, since Southampton were promoted back to the Premier League, there's been an even 50/50 split of games between these two clubs that have produced over/under 2.5 goals.

Although Everton's record of not having scored here on their last three visits is slightly worrying, this Southampton defence doesn't look as tight without Fraser Forster and the now-departed Toby Alderweireld and I'm happy to suggest a value bet on Over 2.5 Goals at odds of 2.26 this Saturday.

To Score

Graziano Pellè has begun this season as he did the last and already has three goals to his name. 11 of his 13 Premier League goals have come at home and he now has five in his last eight Premier League appearances after ending the 2014/15 season in fine fettle.

Take some of the 2.80 on the Italian continuing with his rich vein of form by backing him in the To Score market. And if you're feeling adventurous you can also get 10.00 that he scores two or more in the game.

Recommended Bets

2pts Back Over 2.5 Goals @ 2.26