Mark Lawrenson predicts scoreline of Everton clash v Southampton
Former Liverpool defender Mark Lawrenson has tipped Everton to lose for the first time this season when they take on Southampton on Sunday.
While doing his weekly predictions for BBC Sport, Lawrenson said he believes that the Toffees will lose 2-0 at Saint Mary’s and suggested that the loss of Richarlison will be a big factor in the game.
The Brazilian forward will miss Sunday’s game after receiving a straight red card for a nasty challenge on Liverpool midfielder Thiago is last weekend’s Merseyside derby.
Lawrenson said in his BBC column, “Everton are still unbeaten but I have a feeling that run ends here. Southampton are looking more like the side they were in the summer when they finished last season so strongly. Goals are not a problem for them with Danny Ings playing so well.
“With Everton, they will have to do things a bit differently in attack while Richarlison is suspended and it is going to be interesting to see what Carlo Ancelotti does while he is out.”
Ings has scored four goals in five Premier League games this season and has continued his sensational form from last year by being the primary source of goals for the Saints.
Everton have a goal-machine of their own in Dominic Calvert-Lewin. He will be looking to score in his sixth successive Premier League game as he leads Carlo Ancelotti’s line at Saint Mary’s.
The England international has been the deadliest striker in the league this season and scored his seventh league goal last weekend against Liverpool. As long as he plays then Everton can win, despite the absence of Richarlison.
It remains to be seen how Ancelotti will cope without the Brazilian. He could change his system or he could bring Bernard back into the fold after only being selected for Carabao Cup games so far this season.
In other Everton news, Moise Kean’s father wants loaned-out Everton player to return to Italy.