Everton vs Southampton official line-ups: Team news ahead of Premier League fixture today | The Independent

Rafael Benitez begins his reign as manager of Everton with a home match against Southampton, with the Spaniard hoping to get sceptical supporters on his side with an opening win at Goodison Park in the Premier League.

Benitez, who managed Everton’s rivals Liverpool for six seasons earlier in his career, was a controversial appointment when he was named as Carlo Ancelotti's successor in June and will be aware that he cannot afford a slow start to his tenure.

The Everton manager was dealt a blow on the eve of the new Premier League season, however, and Benitez will be without five first team players, including James Rodriguez, due to Covid-19 isolation for the visit of Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side.

The departure of striker Danny Ings to Aston Villa and a loss of form at the end of last season means that Southampton enter this campaign looking to avoid relegation rather than aiming their ambitions further up the table.

Here’s everything you ned to know ahead of the Premier League fixture.

When is it and what time is kick-off?

The match will get underway at 3pm BST on Saturday 14 August at Goodison Park.

How can I watch it online and on TV?

The match is not on TV in the UK.

Confirmed line-ups

Everton XI: Pickford; Coleman, Holgate, Keane, Digne; Townsend, Allan, Doucoure, Gray; Richarlison, Calvert-Lewin

Southampton XI: McCarthy; Stephens, Livramento, Salisu, Perraud; Walcott, Ward-Prowse, Romeu, Djenepo; Adams, A Armstrong

Odds

Everton: 10/11

Draw: 5/2

Southampton: 3/1

Prediction

Everton’s home form last season was awful but they will receive a huge boost with the return of fans to Goodison Park. While that could result in an uncomfortable opening match for Benitez should his side fall behind, the Toffees should have enough to beat Southampton - even considering the absences of several first team players and the question marks over Richarlison’s fitness. Southampton could have done with another week before the season started as they try to adjust to life without Ings and deal with the uncertainty over Ward-Prowse. Everton 1-0 Southampton