Everton vs. Southampton Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, 18 May 2025 - bettingexpert
This Premier League clash at Goodison Park on 18 May 2025 marks a historic occasion as Everton plays its final game at the iconic stadium after 133 years. Under the stewardship of David Moyes, who took over in January, Everton has shown remarkable improvement, securing 25 out of a possible 42 points, lifting them to 13th in the standings with 42 points.
In contrast, Southampton finds itself at the bottom, having already been relegated, with only 12 points. Despite their poor season, they have displayed defensive resilience recently, exemplified by a goalless draw against Manchester City.
Referee Michael Oliver will oversee this match, where Everton is the bookmaker’s favorite with odds of 1.40. The sentimental value for Everton fans and players is immense, and considering Southampton’s defensive display and Everton’s inconsistent form, a draw could be a worthwhile bet. The weather is expected to be favorable for the game, adding to the occasion’s grandeur as fans bid farewell to Goodison Park.
Everton vs Southampton Prediction & Betting Tip
| Everton vs Southampton Prediction | |
|---|---|
| Betting Tip | Odds |
| Draw | 4.71 |
- Southampton managed to hold Manchester City to a goalless draw in their last match, demonstrating strong defensive capabilities.
- Everton has not beaten Southampton in their last three encounters, which includes a loss at Goodison Park.
- Despite being rooted at the bottom, Southampton has shown grit defensively in recent matches, suggesting they could grind out a result here.
This combination of factors makes the draw a plausible outcome for this fixture.
Everton vs Southampton Odds
Given the form and positional standings of both teams, the odds heavily favour Everton to come out on top in this Premier League fixture at Goodison Park.
| Everton vs Southampton Betting Odds | |
|---|---|
| Bet | Odds |
| Everton | 1.40 |
| Draw | 4.71 |
| Southampton | 7.68 |
Everton are the bookmaker’s favourites with odds of 1.40, reflecting their improved performances under David Moyes and their desire to end their tenure at Goodison Park on a high note.
Despite a promising defensive display against Manchester City, Southampton’s odds for a victory are set at 7.68 given their last-place standing and relegation status.
A draw, while less likely, offers a substantial return, with odds of 4.71. Considering Southampton’s recent matches and defensive improvements, this remains a plausible outcome.
Everton Team Analysis
Everton Recent Performance
Everton’s recent form has been a mixed bag, although they have shown some resilience towards the end of the season.
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fulham | Everton | 2025-05-10 | Premier League | 1-3 (Win) |
| Everton | Ipswich | 2025-05-03 | Premier League | 2-2 (Draw) |
| Chelsea | Everton | 2025-04-26 | Premier League | 1-0 (Loss) |
| Everton | Manchester City | 2025-04-19 | Premier League | 0-2 (Loss) |
| Nottingham Forest | Everton | 2025-04-12 | Premier League | 0-1 (Win) |
Everton has scored an average of 1.20 goals per game in their last five matches and managed one clean sheet. David Moyes’ squad has been much sharper since his appointment in January, picking up 25 points from a possible 42 since his arrival. This recent form includes a crucial 3-1 away win against Fulham, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure.
With their final game at Goodison Park, Everton will look to give their fans a memorable farewell. Given their improved performances, maintaining clean sheets will be key in this encounter.
Everton Key Players
Everton’s top players have shown a mix of form and determination this season. Leading the charge is Beto, Everton’s top scorer with 8 goals. His ability to find the net will be crucial in this final match at Goodison Park. Midfielders like Abdoulaye Doucoure and James Garner will also play key roles, providing both defensive cover and creative spark.
Key individual battles to watch include Beto against Southampton’s central defenders and Doucoure against Flynn Downes in midfield. These could be pivotal in shaping the game’s outcome.
Expected lineup for Everton:
- Goalkeeper: Jordan Pickford
- Defenders: Ashley Young, Michael Keane, Jarrad Branthwaite, Vitaliy Mykolenko
- Midfielders: James Garner, Idrissa Gana Gueye, Jack Harrison, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Carlos Alcaraz
- Forward: Beto
Everton Suspensions & Injuries
Everton faces a few injury concerns ahead of their final match at Goodison Park. Here’s the current status of their sidelined players:
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Orel Mangala | Cruciate ligament injury | Mid-October 2025 |
| Jesper Lindstrøm | Groin injury | Early August 2025 |
| James Tarkowski | Hamstring injury | Mid-July 2025 |
| Jake O’Brien | Knock injury | Doubtful |
These injuries could impact Everton’s depth, particularly in defense with Tarkowski out, necessitating robust performances from players like Michael Keane and Jarrad Branthwaite. Manager David Moyes will need to strategically adjust his squad to ensure the team finishes their historic run at Goodison Park on a high note.
Everton Tactics and Formation
Everton Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 4-2-3-1
- Key Forward: Beto, with 8 goals this season.
- Midfield Duo: James Garner and Idrissa Gueye, providing defensive stability.
- Wing Play: Jack Harrison and Carlos Alcaraz will operate on the flanks, adding width to Everton’s attacks.
- Defensive Strength: With Jordan Pickford in goal and Ashley Young and Vitaliy Mykolenko as full-backs, Everton has shown better defensive organization.
- Notable Strategy: Everton tends to concede 1.3 goals on average, emphasizing the need for solid defensive tactics.
David Moyes will rely on a balanced approach, combining solid defense with quick transitions, aiming to secure a memorable farewell at Goodison Park.
Southampton Team Analysis
Recent Performance
Southampton’s form has been less than stellar, with no wins in their last five matches. Their recent performances have included one draw and four losses, highlighting their struggles this season.
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southampton | Manchester City | 2025-05-10 | Premier League | 0-0 (Draw) |
| Leicester | Southampton | 2025-05-03 | Premier League | 2-0 (Loss) |
| Southampton | Fulham | 2025-04-26 | Premier League | 1-2 (Loss) |
| West Ham | Southampton | 2025-04-19 | Premier League | 1-1 (Draw) |
| Southampton | Aston Villa | 2025-04-12 | Premier League | 0-3 (Loss) |
Southampton have struggled to find the back of the net, averaging just 0.40 goals per game in their last five matches. Despite their defensive efforts, they’ve only managed one clean sheet in this period. Facing relegation, Southampton is hoping to end the season on a positive note.
Southampton Key Players
Southampton will be looking to their key players to put in a strong performance against Everton. Their top scorer, Paul Onuachu, who has netted 4 goals this season, will be crucial in breaking down Everton’s defense. Additionally, Kamaldeen Sulemana, who has shown flashes of brilliance, could be pivotal in this fixture with his pace and creativity.
Expected lineup for Southampton:
- Goalkeeper: Aaron Ramsdale
- Defenders: Jack Stephens, Jan Bednarek, Taylor Harwood-Bellis
- Midfielders: James Bree, Flynn Downes, Lesley Ugochukwu, Welington
- Attackers: Mateus Fernandes, Tyler Dibling, Kamaldeen Sulemana
Key individual battles to watch include:
- Paul Onuachu vs Michael Keane: Can the towering striker overcome Everton’s experienced centre-back?
- Kamaldeen Sulemana vs Ashley Young: Will the young winger’s speed be too much for the veteran defender to handle?
Southampton Suspensions & Injuries
Southampton come into this match with several injury concerns that could significantly impact their performance.
| Player | Injury | Expected return |
|---|---|---|
| Ryan Fraser | Physical discomfort | Late May 2025 |
| Albert Gronbaek | Strain injury | Late May 2025 |
| Charlie Taylor | Knock injury | Late May 2025 |
The absence of Ryan Fraser and Albert Gronbaek means Southampton’s depth in attacking options is notably reduced. Charlie Taylor’s knock further depletes their defensive options.
Their limited squad depth could force coach Simon Rusk to make tactical adjustments which might compromise Southampton’s ability to effectively counter Everton’s strategies.
The injuries could lead to less cohesion on the field, especially in defense and midfield, thereby challenging Southampton’s chances of securing a favorable result.
Southampton Tactics and Formation
Southampton’s Tactical Breakdown:
- Formation: 3-4-2-1
- Key Forward: Tyler Dibling
- Midfield Duo: Flynn Downes, Lesley Ugochukwu
- Defensive Setup: Jack Stephens, Jan Bednarek, Taylor Harwood-Bellis
- Wingbacks: James Bree, Welington
Southampton have been utilizing a 3-4-2-1 formation, aiming to solidify their defense while offering versatility in attack. The presence of a back three featuring Stephens, Bednarek, and Harwood-Bellis provides defensive stability. In midfield, Downes and Ugochukwu are crucial for ball retention and transitioning play.
Wingbacks Bree and Welington are tasked with providing width, contributing both defensively and offensively. Up front, Tyler Dibling leads the line, supported by wide forwards Mateus Fernandes and Kamaldeen Sulemana.
Despite their recent struggles, this setup has shown resilience, notably holding Manchester City to a goalless draw in their last match.
Everton vs Southampton Head-to-Head Statistics
| Home team | Away team | Date | Competition | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southampton | Everton | 2024-11-02 | Premier League | 1-0 (Win) |
| Everton | Southampton | 2024-09-17 | EFL Cup | 1-1 (Southampton win 5-6 on penalties) |
| Everton | Southampton | 2023-01-14 | Premier League | 1-2 (Loss) |
| Southampton | Everton | 2022-10-01 | Premier League | 1-2 (Win) |
| Southampton | Everton | 2022-02-19 | Premier League | 2-0 (Win) |
In the last five meetings between Everton and Southampton, Southampton holds a slight edge with three wins compared to Everton’s two victories. The most recent encounter saw Southampton eke out a 1-0 Premier League win at home on 2nd November 2024. Notably, the EFL Cup clash on 17th September 2024 ended in a 1-1 draw, with Southampton coming out on top in the penalty shootout.
Odds accurate as of 16.05.2025 12:01, and are subject to change. Please always check the odds before placing your bets with any bookmaker.
