Everton vs Southampton team news: Both set to be without key men

Southampton make the trip to Goodison Park on Thursday and will be looking to extend their run of good form against Everton.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s squad of players will be full of confidence going into the match after beating Manchester City 1-0 last Sunday, although this game will probably need a different type of performance with more possession of the ball.

Saints moved up to 12th in the Premier League table on Wednesday evening after Newcastle fell to a 5-0 defeat to City, and they will move above Everton by winning tomorrow.

Team news and availability of important players always helps to assess a team’s chances in each game and there has been some significant news for both the Saints and the Toffees ahead of this one.

Saints were without no less than five players for their win over City last weekend, and it looks like a similar story for their trip North tomorrow.

Ralph Hasenhuttl confirmed in his pre-match press conference that Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg is set to return to the matchday squad, but winger Moussa Djenepo will be out after only returning from suspension on Sunday.

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Each of Jannik Vestergaard, Sofiane Boufal and Yan Valery remain out after being on sidelines last time out.

Hojbjerg returning will provide more midfield options, but it would be harsh to replace either James Ward-Prowse or Oriol Romeu after their recent displays. Changes may still be made though with Hasenhuttl describing his players as “tired” after their recent schedule.

Carlo Ancelotti will be boosted by the return of Theo Walcott to Everton’s squad as they prepare to host Saints, but he has been dealt a blow as the same time after confirming that Mason Holgate will not be fit for this match (via evertonfc.com).

Midfielder Fabian Delph is also set to be on the sidelines, whilst Alex Iwobi could play a part after being subbed off at half-time in the Toffees’ loss to Spurs.

Everton have a strong squad and Ancelotti will have plenty of options ahead of tomorrow, but Mason Holgate’s absence will be felt because of the fact that he has played the full 90 minutes in 22 of his side’s last 25 league matches.