On Saturday afternoon, Everton and Southampton meet at Goodison Park in a game that could prove pivotal in the fight for Premier League survival.
Everton form guideThe Toffees are on a woeful recent run of form going into this potentially vital game, having won just one of their last 12 games in all competitions, including a 3-1 defeat at Manchester United last time out in the third round of the FA Cup.
Frank Lampard’s team are winless in the Premier League in six games, having recorded four wins in the process. The poor run of form has the Merseysiders in 18th place in the Premier League table, a point from safety. The poor run of form has put pressure on Lampard and the club’s hierarchy.
The Toffees' recent home record in the Premier League could be better, as they have lost four of their last five matches at Goodison Park.
Southampton form guideThe Saints are enjoying a terrible campaign and currently find themselves bottom of the Premier League. The team from the south coast are three points adrift of safety and will go level on points with the home team in the table with a victory.
However, league victories have been in short supply for the visitors, as Southampton have suffered six straight league defeats. Nathan Jones’ team have been poor at the back of late in the English top-flight, conceding at least two goals in four of their last five league games.
The team from the South Coast also lost six of their last seven games away from home in the English top flight.
Despite the poor league results, Southampton head into this clash on the back of two straight cup victories, winning 2-1 at Crystal Palace in the FA Cup and 2-0 at home against Manchester City last time out.
Latest team newsEverton look set to be without Nathan Patterson, Alex Iwobi, James Garner and Andros Townsend through injury, while centre-back Michael Keane is also an injury doubt.
Southampton will be without Armel Bella-Kotchap through injury, while Alex McCarthy, Juan Larios, Tino Livramento, Stuart Armstrong and Theo Walcott are injury doubts.
What am I backing?Both teams head into this clash on the back of poor runs of form. The team from the south coast have built some confidence in the cup competitions of late, but their recent league form suggests a lack of confidence on the road. I am backing this game to finish all square with all that in mind.