Jamie O’Hara predicts outcome of Everton v Southampton relegation clash for talkSPORT
Jaime O’Hara has predicted that Frank Lampard’s Everton side will emerge victorious from their crucial encounter against Southampton in the Premier League on Saturday (14 January).
The Toffees’ clash against the Saints is the definition of a relegation six-pointer, with both sides currently languishing in the drop zone and desperately in need of a win.
Lampard has come under recent scrutiny following the 4-1 drubbing to Brighton at Goodison Park, and although it seemed likely the club would target the January transfer window, he is yet to bring any fresh faces through the door.
O’Hara confessed the game should be labelled the “El Sackico’ considering the increased scrutiny on both respective managers, but he saw Everton nabbing a crucial win by a solitary goal.
Speaking on the talkSPORT Edge app, he said: “That is a whopper of a game. That is ‘El Sackico’ right there.
“Jeez, Nathan Jones and Lampard are both under pressure. Everton need a result, and I want Lampard to stay in the job. I’m going to go 1-0 Everton.”
Season defining
No words can quite describe just how important this game is for both Lampard’s job security and the future of Everton this season.
There is nothing better than nabbing three points off your relegation rivals, and if the Toffees can do so at Goodison Park in front of the home fans, it could turn their fortunes in the league.
It is likely to be a nervy and low-scoring match considering the amount of pressure both teams find themselves under, but this could play into Everton’s hands. Goodison Park can be a tough place to play at the best of times, but the crowd are likely to be 100% behind the team, despite the proposed protest that will take place.
With Dominic Calvert-Lewin fit again and having got a few games under his belt, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Toffees talisman pop up with a timely winner at the weekend.