Mark Lawrenson predicts result of Everton Premier League clash v Southampton
Mark Lawrenson believes the Everton crowd could help them in a huge Premier League clash with Southampton on Saturday afternoon.
The Toffees are currently sitting in the relegation zone on goal difference after a shocking season so far with just one win in their last 12 games in all competitions.
But in a clash against rock-bottom side Southampton they have a chance to really kickstart their season, and Lawrenson told Paddy Power (13 January) that while they’re “in a bit of a mess” the home advantage could be key.
“Nathan Jones has stepped up from the Championship and was never going to turn it around overnight, but he’s got a few decent results in the cups,” he said.
“They’ve got some quality and I think they’ll escape. Everton are in a bit of a mess, but they’re at home and they’ll fight. Everton 1-1 Southampton.”
Must win
Forget the game being a must not lose fixture, this is simply a must win game if Everton want to move away from the relegation zone.
Being at home against the team rock bottom of the league is the fixture everyone would want to get their season started properly, and with Frank Lampard under pressure and the fans demanding a performance they will need to be at their best.
Southampton claimed a shock win over Manchester City in midweek in the Carabao Cup, but Everton had a full week off to rest after the FA Cup defeat to Manchester United and should be fully prepared.
Anything but a win in this fixture will be nothing short of a disaster considering the situation both teams are in, and it could well be the final nail in the coffin for Lampard.
The fans will be on it and ready to go, and the players must feed off that energy to perform and come away with all three points by any means necessary.