Back-to-back league wins have eased our worries but we remain six points shy of the 40-point mark and host a Southampton team who have regained sharpness at a crucial time in the race for European qualification.
In contrast to Southampton’s challenge at the top of the table, Everton have struggled in the league and only pulled away from danger with wins over Newcastle United and Queens Park Rangers prior to the international break.
Goodison Park has not been the fortress it usually is this term – Everton have won just four matches on home soil and Martinez knows making that five will be no easy task.
“We are facing a difficult side at the weekend, for me they are the revelation of the season,” the Spaniard said. “It is a great opportunity for us to focus and be ready for such difficult opponents.
“They are a really strong side, well-structured and creative with forward play. They have got the best defensive record in the league. That is why they are so competitive. Ronald Koeman has done a sensational job.”
Everton recorded a 2-1 victory in this fixture last season thanks to Romelu Lukaku’s late winner, but Southampton have won both matches since without conceding a goal.
The reverse fixture at St Mary’s Stadium in December was a comfortable 3-0 win for Koeman’s men, and started a run of six matches without a win for Everton.
Bryan Oviedo and Tony Hibbert will definitely miss this one through injury. Romelu Lukaku faces a late fitness test and question marks remain over Darron Gibson, Kevin Mirallas and Steven Pienaar.
Everton: Griffiths, Howard, Joel, Stanek, Alcaraz, Baines, Browning, Coleman, Distin, Garbutt, Jagielka, Stones, Atsu, Barkley, Barry, Besic, Gibson, Lennon, McCarthy, McGeady, Osman, Pienaar, Kone, Long, Lukaku, Mirallas, Naismith.
Southampton: K Davis, Gazzaniga, Alderweireld, Bertrand, Clyne, Fonte, Gape, Gardos, Targett, Yoshida, S Davis, Djuricic, Elia, Mane, McQueen, Reed, Schneiderlin, Tadic, Wanyama, Ward-Prowse, Gallagher, Long, Pelle, Seager.
Referee: Lee Mason Assistants: A Halliday, L Betts Fourth Official: N Swarbrick
Match Facts (supplied by Opta)
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