Premier League | Gameweek 37

May 18, 2025 at 12pm UK

Goodison Park

Everton vs Southampton

Match preview

Much to the delight of Everton fans, there has been nothing riding on their final few home matches, despite the fact that just a few months ago it looked as though they might be fighting against relegation.

David Moyes' return has breathed new life into the team, who have become difficult to beat at home or away in 2025. While the football itself may take a back seat for this match, Everton will still be the clear favourites.

A 3-1 win at Fulham last weekend moved Everton up to 13th place, putting them ahead of the group of clubs lingering just above the relegation zone. However, they are a substantial distance clear given the struggles of the three newly promoted clubs.

Apart from the fact that Everton beat a club who were unbeaten in seven matches against them and significantly higher in the table, what made last week's win at Craven Cottage more surprising is that they came from behind to do so.

It was the first time in over two-and-a-half years that the Toffees had won a Premier League away game after falling behind; they had failed to win any of the previous 27 matches in these circumstances.

Furthermore, it was the first time they had overturned a deficit on the road to win by a two-goal margin since 2008, midway through Moyes' initial 11-year tenure at the club.

However, returning to Goodison Park for the emotional finale may not bring much joy on the pitch, as Everton have not won any of their last six matches there, their worst run since 2009.

Regardless of the outcome, this will be the lowest number of league wins in the club's history, as they are currently on four, with the previous low being six.

Home comforts have brought no advantage this season because Everton have earned exactly the same number of points at home and away in the 2024–25 season. However, they have won more matches away from Goodison and earned six more points on the road since Moyes's arrival.

Earlier in the campaign, it was not a happy away day when they travelled to St Mary's, as Southampton secured their first win of the season with a 1-0 victory. This was also the only win they achieved in their first 23 matches of the season.

However, Goodison Park has proven to be a daunting place for the Saints, as no other club has suffered more Premier League defeats at this venue. Another defeat here would bring their total to 17, putting them one ahead of West Ham United, who have lost 16 times.

The visitors should travel here in relatively high spirits after avoiding the ignominy of recording the lowest points tally in Premier League history thanks to their 0–0 draw with Manchester City last weekend. This result took them to 12 points, one better than Derby County's record in 2007–08.

Interim boss Simon Rusk will be aware that his side were fortunate against the outgoing champions, allowing 26 shots on goal; however, a misfiring City were unable to capitalise on their territorial dominance.

Southampton's final fixtures looked daunting, with Arsenal to come on the last day of the season, as well as playing at Goodison Park for the last time, but while this season has been challenging, they can breathe a slight sigh of relief that they will not be setting any records.

Recent Performance

Everton Premier League form:DWLLDW

Southampton Premier League form:LLDLLD

Team News

Everton lost another important defender last week when Jake O'Brien missed the win over Fulham due to an unspecified injury. He joined James Tarkowski on the sidelines, but Michael Keane did a stellar job of deputising for the Irishman. He scored the goal that put Everton in front and kept Fulham at bay at the other end.

Beto is likely to keep his place ahead of Dominic Calvert-Lewin after reaching double figures for the season with Everton's third goal last week. Only Mohamed Salah, Alexander Isak and Jean-Philippe Mateta have scored more Premier League goals than him since Moyes's appointment.

Orel Mangala and Jesper Lindström are Everton's other injured players, and there will be interest in who starts at right-back. It could potentially be captain and fan favourite Seamus Coleman's last match for the club, although an appearance from the bench is more likely.

Kyle Walker-Peters is Southampton's only doubt, having missed the draw against Manchester City due to illness. Welington stepped in and performed well on his first start since mid-February.

Lesley Ugochukwu was substituted at half-time purely for tactical reasons, as he was close to picking up a second yellow card. There will be competition for a place in midfield, with the likes of Joe Aribo and Will Smallbone hoping to feature.

Rusk did not start with a recognised striker last week, but that could change here against weaker opposition. Cameron Archer is hoping to be handed the opportunity, while Tyler Dibling will move out wide after playing as a false nine against City.

Possible starting lineup

Everton possible starting lineup:

Pickford; Young, Keane, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Alcaraz, Gueye, Garner, Doucoure, McNeil; Beto

Southampton possible starting lineup:

Ramsdale; Bree, Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Stephens, Welington; Mateus Fernandes, Downes, Aribo, Dibling; Archer