Rafael Benitez’s first game in charge of Everton is a home fixture with Southampton.
Everton have had a mixed transfer window so far and the signings of Andros Townsend, Demari Gray and Asmir Begovic haven’t appeased fans.
Richarlison and James Rodriguez have both been linked with moves away, with the latter reportedly allowed to leave the club.
Southampton have lost both Danny Ings and Jannik Vestergaard and they are among the favourites for relegation.
Adam Armstrong and Romain Perraud have been the stand out incomings.
Match history
There has been an even split in results between the two sides in recent seasons, with both winning two of the last five.
The home side won both meetings last term, with Everton edging a 1-0 victory thanks to a Richarlison winner.
Last five Premier League meetings
Everton 1 Southampton 0 – 01/03/21
Southampton 2 Everton 0 – 25/10/20
Everton 1 Southampton 1 – 09/07/20
Southampton 1 Everton 2 – 09/11/19
Southampton 2 Everton 1 – 19/01/19
Team news
Richarlison is yet to have a summer break having featured in the Copa America and Olympics. He is likely to be allowed to rest here.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin is also a doubt heading into the opening weekend of the season, but was pictured in training.
James Ward-Prowse returned to training earlier this week after recovering from a knee injury and is a doubt for their opener.
Romain Perraud should debut at left-back following Ryan Bertrand’s departure.
Expected starting XI’s
Everton (4-2-3-1): Pickford; Coleman, Keane, Godfrey, Digne; Doucoure, Allan; Townsend, Rodriguez, Iwobi; Calvert-Lewin
Southampton (4-4-2): McCarthy; Walker-Peters, Bednarek, Salisu, Perraud; Armstrong, Diallo, Romeu, Djenepo; Adams, Tella
Predictions
Result: Draw
Everton have struggled in pre-season and had one of the worst home records last season
Correct Score: 1-1
There has been little between the two sides in recent seasons and a 1-1 draw looks a likely result
Anytime Goalscorer: Dominic Calvert-Lewin
Calvert-Lewin started the previous campaign with eight goals in his first six games
