Southampton vs Everton: Where the game will be won and lost

SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 19: Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Everton battles for possession with Shane Long of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Everton FC at St Mary's Stadium on January 19, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)
SOUTHAMPTON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 19: Dominic Calvert-Lewin of Everton battles for possession with Shane Long of Southampton during the Premier League match between Southampton FC and Everton FC at St Mary's Stadium on January 19, 2019 in Southampton, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images) /
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MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 02: Moussa Djenepo of Southampton battles for possession with Raheem Sterling of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Southampton FC at Etihad Stadium on November 02, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images)
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND – NOVEMBER 02: Moussa Djenepo of Southampton battles for possession with Raheem Sterling of Manchester City during the Premier League match between Manchester City and Southampton FC at Etihad Stadium on November 02, 2019 in Manchester, United Kingdom. (Photo by Jan Kruger/Getty Images) /

Moussa Djenepo

The Malian-international has been sorely missed by Southampton due to injury; and given his potential return to the starting line-up, Hasenhuttl’s men will arguably have their most explosive player at their disposal.

The 21-year-old has been the difference maker in both of Southampton’s only wins in the current campaign; with a fabulous curled effort against Brighton to make the game 1-0 at the time, and a dazzling individual goal against a solid Sheffield United team.

Everton aren’t particular weak against defending skilful players, and despite having shipped 17 goals this season; it’s a bit hit and miss on how effectively they’ll keep Djenepo under wraps, especially in the latter stages of the game.

Full-back Cedric Soares was also set to make a return for this game; however given his comments on leaving the club this upcoming summer will now throw doubt into his playing time down on the south-coast for the remainder of his Saints career.