13 August 2021, 22:01 | 28 August 2021, 15:29
English Premier League fixture, Everton F.C. vs. Southampton F.C. kicks off at 15:00 (GMT+1) on Saturday, August 14 at Goodison Park.
Preview Everton Premier League, Aug 14, 2021
Preview After parting ways with Carlo Ancelotti at the end of last season, Everton will begin their Premier League journey under new coach, Rafa Benitez. The ex-Liverpool coach, Benitez would hope to prove doubters wrong by selecting maximum points when he makes his debut as coach of Everton in the opening weekend of the Premier League season. Everton took part in several pre-season club friendly matches after picking up the Florida Cup ahead of the new season. They defeated Puma UNAM by a lone goal but on Saturday, the 7th of August, they took on Manchester United and were picked apart in a 4-0 loss. Andros Townsend joined the Toffees on a free transfer while Demaral Grey will also be putting on the dark blue colours of Everton's home kit after signing for the club for €1.7M from Bayer Leverkusen. Former Bournemouth goalkeeper, 34-year-old Asmir Begovic also joined Benitez ahead of the season opener. Benitez is expected to line up an attacking 4-2-3-1 formation with Dominic Calvert-Lewin leading the front line as the Toffees search for their first win of the season.
Preview Southampton Premier League, Aug 14, 2021
Preview The Saints pay a visit to Goodison Park in their opening game of the English Premier League season to get their league campaign underway. Southampton F.C. finished in fifteenth place last season after picking up a total of 43 points. Ahead of the new season, the Saints saw the likes of Angus Gunn, Ryan Bertrand, and Wesley Hoedt exit the club but made several additions to the squad. Former Arsenal player, Theo Walcott made a summer switch from Everton on a free transfer while Adam Armstrong was acquired for €17.7M. They also completed the transfer of left-back, Romain Perraud from Brest for €12M, while Valentino Livramento joined from Chelsea for €5.9M. In preparation for the 2021-2022 campaign, they played several pre-season games, - picking up a 4-0 win against Cardiff City and a 3-1 win against Swansea City. They also picked up a 1-0 victory over Levante but lost to Athletic Bilbao, 3-1. Head coach, Ralph Hasenhüttl would be looking forward to an impressive start as they visit Goodison Park for their first appearance of the new season. A conventional 4—4—2 formation is expected from the visitors with the attacking duo consisting of Theo Walcott and Che Adams leading the front line. Will Smallbone is sidelined with a knee injury and remains doubtful for this fixture.