Luis Torres
Dailysports's expert
On May 18, 2025, Goodison Park will host a Matchweek 37 Premier League clash between Everton and Southampton. With neither side facing relegation or chasing European qualification, both teams can approach this fixture without the pressure of must-win stakes. Let’s take a closer look at the likely winner in this encounter.
Everton
Everton head into the season finale free from relegation worries—the Toffees secured their Premier League status ahead of schedule and have no chance to qualify for European competitions. Currently, Everton sit 13th in the table with 42 points.
Last round, Everton delivered a pleasant surprise by defeating Fulham 3-1 away, snapping a three-match winless run in the league. However, their home form remains a concern—Everton haven’t claimed victory at Goodison Park in seven consecutive matches, with five draws and two defeats in that stretch.
Motivation for the upcoming match is heightened by the result of the reverse fixture, where Everton suffered a 0-1 defeat to Southampton. This time, the team will be eager to exact revenge in front of their home fans.
Southampton
Southampton’s season has been nothing short of disastrous. After 36 rounds, the Saints have picked up just 12 points and sit rock-bottom in 20th place. They’ve been the league’s weakest both in attack—just 25 goals scored—and in defense, with a staggering 82 goals conceded.
Form remains dire. Southampton are winless in 13 straight matches, managing only three draws and suffering ten losses. Yet, in the previous round, they produced a minor shock by holding Manchester City to a goalless draw at home.
Results on the road have also failed to inspire the faithful. Southampton haven’t won any of their last five away games. In fact, their only victory in the last three months came back in February, when they beat Ipswich 2-1 away.
One glimmer of hope lies in their head-to-head record against Everton. Over the last five meetings in all competitions, Southampton have lost to the Toffees just once, winning three times and drawing once. Notably, that draw came in a cup match, where Southampton advanced after a penalty shootout.
Key facts and head-to-head stats
- Everton have failed to win 9 of their last 11 matches.
- Southampton have failed to win 16 of their last 17 matches.
- Southampton have lost 4 of their last 5 away games.
- Southampton are unbeaten in 4 of their last 5 meetings with Everton.
- Both teams have scored in 3 of the last 4 head-to-head encounters.
Probable lineups
- Everton: Pickford, Young, Keane, Branthwaite, Mykolenko, Gueye, Garner, Harrison, Doucouré, Ndiaye, Beto.
- Southampton: Ramsdale, Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Stephens, Walker-Peters, Ugochukwu, Downes, Wellington, Sulemana, Fernandes, Dibling.
Everton vs Southampton match prediction
Everton enter as favourites—they’re at home, motivated to avenge their first-round defeat, and eager to end their lengthy winless run at Goodison Park. Southampton, despite a disastrous campaign, have proven to be a tough opponent for the Toffees, as head-to-head stats show. It’s also worth noting that both teams have found the net in three of their last four meetings. Southampton’s defense remains the league’s weakest, but they occasionally create chances up front, especially given Everton’s unreliable home form. My prediction for this match: both teams to score, with odds of 2.04.
