Chris Sutton convinced on outcome of Everton vs Southampton after noticing one thing at Goodison Park

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Everton are making the long trip down to the south coast this weekend where they will be coming up against bottom side Southampton.

Sean Dyche and his side will be presented with a golden opportunity to rack up their third victory over the season against the strugglers.

However, there will be a lot to improve on from their performance last weekend against Fulham if they are going to seal all three points.

Jarrad Branthwaite is expected to return for Everton against Southampton after he made the bench against the Cottagers last time out.

However, it is what Chris Sutton noticed Dyche did with another Everton centre-back last weekend which has him convinced about his prediction for their trip to St Mary’s.

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Chris Sutton wowed by Sean Dyche tactic at Everton

Last time out, Everton were able to secure a point against Fulham with a stoppage time equaliser through substitute Beto.

With Everton pushing for a late goal, Dyche threw defender Michael Keane up front to provide further aerial threat which really impressed Sutton.

“The way both teams approach the game is interesting. Sean Dyche’s side have got the nous and are streetwise, while Southampton are viewed by many as being naive and playing fantasy football, with their style of play under Russell Martin,” Sutton said in his BBC Sport predictions.

“You look at the games that Saints have thrown away – like they did against Leicester and Ipswich – and you feel like Dyche will have hope on Saturday even if his side are trailing late on.

“I really enjoyed seeing Dyche put centre-half Michael Keane up as a makeshift centre-forward to mix things up against Fulham, and his Everton team never lie down, which is why I think they will get something out of this game too.”

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Sutton thinks Dwight McNeil’s injury could be a big issue

Going into last weekend’s fixtures, Sutton hailed Dwight McNeil’s start to the season having provided four goals and three assists across all competitions.

“They are playing like a Dyche team too – hard working and streetwise, but with a bit of quality too. Dwight McNeil is having an exceptional season,” Sutton told BBC Sport.

However, there is a real concern now as to whether Dyche is going to have his midfielder ready to play against the Saints on Saturday.

Dyche admitted McNeil has a chance to play against Southampton but he did not train with the group on Thursday at Finch Farm.

Given his importance to this Everton side, it may be best if they err on the side of caution to prevent making the issue any worse.