Match Preview

With the unwanted disruption of another international break out of the way, it's back to focusing on the Premiership as the Blues look to return to winning ways after the curse of the Manager of the Month award ended our September winning streak.

The visitors for this second successive home fixture are struggling Southampton who are beset by doubts over the long-term potential of new boss Steve Wigley and a striker crisis matched only by.... well, Everton!

Marian Pahars, Brett Ormerod (on loan), Peter Crouch and James Beattie are all out of contention for the long trip to Goodison from the South Coast but while there's a very real possibility that both teams could play five across the middle given their limited attacking options, it looks as though teenager Leon Best will make his debut.

For Everton, Tim Cahill has progressed well with the injury inflicted by Jamie Redknapp a fortnight ago and stands a good chance of starting alongside Thomas Gravesen and in front of holding man, Lee Carsley.  Expect Leon Osman and Kevin Kilbane to continue on the flanks with Marcus Bent on his own up front once more.

It looks very much as though David Moyes will persist with the 4-5-1 formation until he is able to remedy the situation in January.  Personally, I would like to see Duncan Ferguson and Kevin Campbell removed from the picture, squad fitness providing, to give the likes of Nick Chadwick and James McFadden another shot at proving themselves.

Ferguson, in particular, has shown that he now offers nothing even as a substitute � indeed, his introduction against Tottenham had a detrimental effect.

In the context of Southampton's troubles, this should be seen as a can and must win for the Blues and a terrific opportunity to maintain a hold on that third-place spot for another week, with a visit to winless Norwich City next weekend.

Lyndon Lloyd

Matchday Stats

This will be the 85th meeting between Everton and Southampton in all competitions, and the 42nd at Goodison Park.  This match will be the 25th meeting in the Premiership.

Everton's full record against Southampton is:

Our record at home to Southampton is:

The last match between the sides was on 21 February this year when goals from Wayne Rooney (two) and Duncan Ferguson were cancelled out by late strikes from Southampton as the two sides emerged from the match sharing the points in a 3-3 draw.  This was the first time in all matches between the clubs that a 3-3 draw has happened.  The last match at Goodison Park between the sides was on 19 October last year when the sides drew again, this time 0-0.

There have been 7 Everton hat-tricks against Southampton, with the last being Gary Speed's three goals in the 7-1 victory over Southampton at Goodison Park on 16 November 1996.  Southampton were also victims of an 8-0 drubbing on 20 November 1971 with Joe Royle (4 goals) and David Johnson both getting hat-tricks in that game, with the other goal being scored by Alan Ball.

The most common victory for Everton is 1-0 which has happened 9 times in Everton's 41 victories.  Southampton' most common victory is also 1-0 which has happened 8 times in their 25 victories. The most common draw between the teams is 0-0, which has occurred 7 times in the 18 draws between the sides.

Everton's record for 16 October is:

This is the first time the sides have met on this day.  The last match on this day was in 1999, when Everton lost 4-1 at Arsenal.  The only other Premier League match on this day was Everton's only league match away to Swindon Town, with Peter Beagrie getting Everton's goal in a 1-1 draw.

Jimmy Gabriel was born on this day in 1940 in Dundee.  Signed from his home town club in March 1960, Jimmy went on to win a League championship medal and an FA Cup winners medal with the club, before moving, ironically, to Southampton in July 1967.  Jimmy made 304 appearances for the club and scored 37 goals.

Geoff Barnett was born on this day in 1946 in Northwich.  Geoff signed professional forms in May 1964 and made just 10 appearances before being sold to Arsenal in October 1969.  However, Geoff was a member of the successful 1965 FA Youth Cup winning team.

Graeme Sharp was born on this day in 1960 in Glasgow.  Signed from Dumbarton in April 1980, Graeme went on to become the club's highest post-war goal scorer netting 159 goals in 447 appearances for the club.  He was eventually sold to Oldham Athletic in July 1991, after winning 2 League Championships, 1 F.A. Cup and 1 European Cup Winners' Cup medal with the club.

On this day in 1973, Thomas Myhre was born in Sarpsborg, Norway.  Signed from Viking Stavanger in November 1997, Thomas made 82 appearances for the club, before being sold to Besiktas in  November 2001.

On the same day in 1973, David Unsworth was born in Preston.  David signed professional forms with the club in June 1992 and went on to win a World Youth Championship bronze medal with the England Youth team the following year, and he also won an F.A. Cup winners medal in 1995.  David was then sold to West Ham United in a swap deal involving Danny Williamson in August 1997.  Almost a year later, in July 1998, David returned to Goodison Park from Aston Villa.  He was sold for second time to Portsmouth during this summer.  During his time with the club, David made 350 appearances as well as scoring 40 goals - one of which was the first goal scored under David Moyes.

Gary Lineker scored a hat-trick for England on this day in 1985 in their 5-0 World Cup qualifying victory over Turkey.  Gary Stevens was also in the England team for that game, whilst Trevor Steven came on as a substitute.

Kevin Ratcliffe and Neville Southall have both played 2 international matches on this day.  In 1985, they were in the Welsh team that lost 3-0 to Hungary in a friendly, whilst in 1991, Kevin made his last Welsh appearance as an Everton player in their 4-1 defeat at the hands of Germany in a European Championship qualifying match.  The 1985 match also included Pat van den Hauwe.

On this day in 1991, Kevin Sheedy was a member of the Republic of Ireland team that drew 3-3 with Poland in a European Championship qualifier.

In 2002, Niclas Alexandersson was in Sweden's side to Portugal in a 3-2 friendly defeat, which also included Tobias Linderoth.

On the same day (in 2002), Mark Pembridge was a member of the Welsh side that beat Italy 2-1 in a European Championship qualifier.

Milestone's that can be reached in this game:

• If Duncan Ferguson starts the game it will be his 150th start for Everton in the league.

Steve Flanagan

Through the Grinder

By Christ, this team puts you through the grinder.  We needed to play our 'Get out of jail' card today and it's a good job we had one up our sleeves because for a very long time it looked like it wasn't going to happen.

The game started pretty brightly; we passed the ball around with some degree of confidence and Soton played very much on the back foot.  Their game plan was pretty clear � pack the defence, break when we can but let's sneak a point out of this game.  And for the most part their plan worked to perfection � we steadily lost confidence as the game wore on; they soaked up all our pressure and occasionally looked as though they might nick one on the break or from a set piece.  Indeed, with ten minutes to go they looked the more likely to score � we looked as though we could play for another couple of hours and still not score.  The fact that we did, with only minutes to go, makes up for the undeserved defeat by Spurs the other week.

Defensively, we were solid as a rock for most of the game.  I don't recall Martyn being troubled unduly, couple of long range shots and some crosses all dealt with easily, the only heart in the mouth moment was right at the end when it looked for all the world as though a long clearance was going to bounce over his head.  Stubbs and Weir again played with intelligence and Pistone had a half-decent game (by his standards).  Tony Hibbert had a sound game both defensively and going forward, and was probably my man of the match.

In midfield, we started with Carsley in the DMC position, with Cahill and Kilbane wide, Gravesen in the middle of the middle (if you see what I mean) and Osman playing centrally just off Bent, who was alone up front.  Whilst we had a lot of midfield possession in the first half, the final ball broke down nearly every time, and the decision whether to pass or shoot was invariably the wrong one � Bent guilty on more than one occasion.  Admittedly Soton did a very good spoiling job but our final ball lacked incisiveness and a number of half-chances failed to result in anything tangible.

Second half we changed things round, pushing Osman wide and bringing Cahill into the middle, to little end effect.  Carsley did his now regular sterling job in front of the defence, Tommy maintained some good possession and played the occasional killer ball, but too often missed the easy ball and ended up running into blind alleys.  Kilbane started well, but tired at about the hour mark.  Seemed unwilling to take on his defender when it looked like he'd have the clear beating of him.  Suffering from international exertions, I think.  Cahill also tired as the second half went on, but still looks a class act.  Ossie was the choice of the attacking midfielders, always willing and able if a little lightweight on occasion against the big boys of Soton.  He took his goal extremely well.

Up front, Bent held the ball up well and was hugely willing first half.  Needs to be a bit more greedy on occasion, and his choice of when to pass or shoot was a bit wayward.  Again he seemed to tire dramatically towards the end.

Moyes delayed his substitutions this week, after their relative failure against Spurs, but they did seem to make a difference when they took place.  Firstly Dunc and Faddy came on for the knackered Cahill and Kilbane, Dunc led the line pretty well and took some pressure off Bent, and it was he who flicked the ball on for Osman to score.  Faddy did very little other than give away a needless corner, but he needs these odd ten minutes or so to slowly build up his self-confidence.  Not as much as he needs a decent loan spell though.  Finally Watson came on for the also knackered Bent to shore things up late on.

Overall, huge sigh of relief at the end of the game, not a pretty game by any means but on reflection, still a few plusses.  Defensively we look extremely steady, Hibbert is improving with every game and the old men in the middle are having a real swansong at the moment.  The midfield also looks strong defensively, if lightweight in attack and Bent needs to find his shooting boots to go with his undoubted work-rate and ability to hold the ball up.  A decent 20-goal-a-season striker looks to be our main priority at the moment, but otherwise if we can grind results out like this (like we did two seasons ago) we could maintain these lofty heights for a little while longer. We do seem to do all the hard work then spoil it by messing up the 'easy' bit though at the moment.

And a quick mention for the referee today � thought he had a fine game overall. Can we have him every week?

Paul Waring

Pedestrian Everton Steal the Points

We got to the pub a little after 1pm and got a seat to see Birmingham City were still holding Man Utd to a draw.  �If that stays the same and Everton win today we�ll be 5 points above Man U� I exclaimed excitedly.  �Would be just like Everton to mess up today though wouldn�t it?�.  He wasn�t wrong and should have been right.  Everton were lucky to snatch the three points today.

We were chatting away in the pub when a big cheer erupted on the other side.  We looked up to see Rooney on the ground clutching his leg after one of Robbie Savage�s �tackles�.  We then focused on the rest of the Man Utd game as the clock ticked down.  Smith lashed it wide then full time.  0-0.  COME ON EVERTON!

We walked to the ground and were there well in time for the players to come out.  We all get that buzz when the teams come out but it�s now somewhat spoilt by that big handshake thing they have to do.  You can see the players themselves think it�s a load of nonsense too.

The team lined up and Moyes kept faith with the eleven that started against Spurs with Cahill recovering from that reckless Redknapp �tackle� and Stubbs and Weir still keeping Yobo out of the team.

Just before the kick off was a one minute silence which Everton managed to completely balls up.  First the match announcer announced it too early and nobody was ready.  The problem was not everybody was in the ground.  So people were entering, oblivious to it, and laughing and joking as they entered.  Not their fault, no, but couldn�t they have put people by the turnstiles to say, �Sshhhhh!  There�s a minute's silence for Ken Bigley.�  Even then, it was a little surreal to be fair, with the click of the turnstiles seemingly echoing through the Lower Gwladys.  A sad moment slightly spoilt.  Anyway, onto the game.

It was a fairly pedestrian start with neither team offering much profligacy in attack.  Bent left to fend for himself up front and two kids playing for Southampton to alleviate their striking crisis.  Everton HAD to pick up the points in this one.  An early drive by Bent was saved comfortably by Niemi low to his right and a long range drive from some Saints player was just as comfortable for Martyn.  A pretty poor opening to the game with two poor sides really.

Shortly afterwards, Everton created a great opening for Bent who was through but he tried to square it to Osman and Niemi gathered.  It was one of them though: Had he shot and missed everyone would have yelled at him, and he tried to square it and it was saved.  On a hiding to nothing.  Osman was the main one who shone for Everton in the first half.  We�ve got a diamond there and oughta sort a contract out for him sooner rather than later.  He�s a very positive player and always looking for it.  Never hides and always tries.

Another good chance fell to Bent again not long before half-time after great work by Cahill, controlling the ball, skinning his man and pulling the ball back for Bent who was leaning back and sent the ball into Row Z.  Good opportunity wasted.  Just after that, Cahill had a half-chance on the half-volley which fizzed just over the bar.  We weren�t playing well, we were playing within ourselves but still creating chances.  If we�d have had a more prolific goalscorer out there, then maybe we�d have won more handsomely.  An area to address in January, hopefully...

There was one moment in the first half which might have produced goal of the season had it gone in.  Brilliant play and skill by Cahill, playing it to Gravesen and Tommy being himself had to skin a few players inside the box beautifully before slicing it well wide.  Would have been something special.

The first half then drew to a close and Everton were cheered off.  Good encouragement by the fans.  Half-time; we though that we just HAD to get better.  We knew we could.  The half-time entertainment was, for once, just that.  Entertainment.  That crossbar challenge almost cost Everton a car with the fella hitting the bar with his second of three 18 yard shots.  If he hits with two of the three he wins a car.  For the third one all the subs warming up even stopped and watched, the crowd anticipated� and he just missed.  More entertaining than the previous 45 minutes.

They came back out and started very well.  Bent making the most of a 30/70 situation with the goalie and two defenders to deal with, the ball pin-balling back off Bent and heading wide.  Good play though by Bent and the impressive young Saints defender Leon Best.  Both of them chasing and never believing the ball was dead.  Bent doing well to slide and get any sort of shot away.  Best doing well to chase back and slide to prevent giving any sort of shot away.  From the resulting corner Bent had an effort cleared off the line and then I think Weir�s header was blocked from another corner before a handball appeal was rightly waved away by the fairly descent (that�s right!) Barry Knight.

I was quite impressed with Southampton overall as they hung in there well and tried to hit us on the break but it was Everton creating the better chances and making the better moves.  If the first half was rubbish then the second made up for it.

There was a period in the second half when the game went a bit flat.  Not really a criticism; just things weren�t working and Southampton were defending resolutely.  So Moyes decided they were going to change things by bringing on some subs.  Just when Dunc was beginning to get ready, Everton started clicking again and the momentum came their way and you sensed a goal was on the cards.  This was broken up by Southampton taking an age over throw-ins and then making a change themselves, taking off one of the two impressive kids up front and replacing him with the evergreen Paul Telfer.

Everton kept plugging away, though, and then with about 11 minutes left it was Cahill, who was a bit anonymous in the second half, and the tireless Kilbane off for Ferguson and McFadden as Everton went for the kill with a 4-4-2 formation.

It worked.  Everton kept pressing and chasing and harrying.  Then from a long throw, in the 89th minute, Ferguson got a flick to it.  The ball bobbled.  Osman controlled it with one touch and took a stab at it and the ball trickled into the corner.  It was enough to win the game.  Queue delirium!

Bent came off for Watson for the final two minutes of stoppage time and nearly released Ferguson but the ball was intercepted.  Everton hung on though.  Gravesen didn�t help by giving away a free kick on the half-way line and then shouting at the Saints player for a good minute or so with the ref doing well to calm things down.  Silly from Tommy.  Oughta have been booked really.  Anyway, Martyn caught the ball and booted it up and the whistle went.  Three points for the blues.  Dunc even managing to applaud the fans before leaving early.

I felt a little sorry for Southampton �cos they�d done alright, but I know it�s happened to us quite a lot and after the game couldn�t think of a game for a long time when we�ve been as lucky as that to get the points so I�ll take it.  Southampton will be alright.

WE'RE THIRD IN THE LEAGUE!

Player Ratings:

• Martyn:  Did everything right.  8
• Pistone:  Did everything wrong.  5
• Stubbs:  Good solid defending by Stubbs with some excellent distribution to boot.  8
• Weir:  Same as Stubbs really.  Some good, aggressive and determined defending.  Nice to have the old Weir back.  8
• Hibbert:  Got stuck in and did his job.  Can play better though.  6
• Carsley:  Carried out his defensive duties to good effect.  7
• Kilbane:  Our main aerial threat till he came off.  Got forward well and didn�t give them much rest.  Looks a little weary from his international exploits.  7
• Cahill:  Outstanding first half but faded badly in the second.  Scrapes a�  7
• Gravesen:  Played much better in the second and took the game to the Saints.  Was our main threat in the second.  7
• Osman:  My man of the match. Outstanding contribution and took his goal well. Brilliant play from our new hero.  9
• Bent:  Struggled on his own but his work rate is fantastic.  Can�t believe people are giving him stick already in the crowd.  What more do you want for �450k?  Sulks a bit when it�s not working for him with his hands on hips posture.  7
• Ferguson:  Made them worry and it was his presence which led to the goal.  7
• McFadden:  Don�t really remember him doing anything.  6
• Watson:  Not on long but nearly teed up Ferguson.  7

Paul Traill