Simon Rusk issues a rallying cry for Southampton to spoil Everton's emotional farewell fixture at Goodison Park.
After a memorable last weekend at St. Mary's, Southampton next face Everton at Goodison Park in matchday 37. But unlike their routine home-away rotation trip, this penultimate fixture is unique for the Saints.
It's perhaps the first time this season that Southampton go into a fixture free of pressure, just to spoil the hosts' mood.
And what better occasion to pick than this one? That's because, this matchday, Everton will play for the final time at their current home stadium, Goodison Park.
Naturally, it will be a special evening for David Moyes' Everton, who see out their historic stadium post this Southampton clash. But that’s exactly what makes it the perfect opportunity for Simon Rusk’s Saints to strike.
Having previously impacted Man City's European qualification with a draw, Southampton now have the perfect opportunity to gatecrash Everton's occasion. And the manager's intentions speak for themselves, how much his side wants to crash Everton's farewell party this Sunday.
Southampton urged to spoil Everton's mood in emotional evening
Recently, as quoted by the Daily Echo, Simon Rusk expressed it clearly, saying: "We want to go and ruin the party, if you like. Of course, any team going into this game as an opponent, as an away side, will just want to go and give the best version of themselves."
Honestly, given this season's summary for both Everton and Southampton, it will not be an easy task for the Saints. Yet, it's one in which they don't have much to lose, but all the praise for a positive result.
Remember how boss Simon Rusk had casually dropped Everton from his winnable games tally a month ago? Just imagine the scenes if the manager pulls off a win by hook or by crook, against David Moyes now.
Well, the scenes are almost set at Goodison for a final Men's matchday. Let's see what Rusk's Southampton side has in store for the fans on the evening.