PREM: Southampton v Everton preview

Southampton v Everton preview

Dusan Tadic is not expected to be available for Southampton in Sunday's Premier League home match against Everton as the Serbian midfielder continues his recovery from a broken nose.

Defender Jose Fonte will be assessed on a foot problem, with manager Claude Puel hopeful the captain will be fit having not travelled for Thursday's Europa League defeat at Sparta Prague.

Forward Charlie Austin, full-back Ryan Bertrand, midfielders Oriol Romeu and Steve Davis should all be recalled, but Matt Targett continues his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury.

Everton have no new injury problems.

Manager Ronald Koeman also has midfielder Gareth Barry back from suspension and could face a few selection dilemmas.

Only long-term absentees Muhamed Besic (knee) and Matthew Pennington (hamstring) are on the sidelines.

Saints boss Claude Puel "We had the opportunity to take Europa league qualification on Thursday and it was not possible.

"We did not play good football in the second half, but with the goal (conceded) and no luck with our chances, it was difficult to find a solution.

"The result is bad, of course, but it is important to consider all of the possibilities we can still have with the last game at St Mary's (Stadium) in front of our own fans.

"It will be like a final, and it is important to keep a positive attitude about this because we have it all still in our own hands."

Everton boss Ronald Koeman "I and the rest of the technical staff, we had a great time at Southampton, but I'm the Everton manager, we play away, a difficult game.

"They need the points, we need the points, but of course it's special because the last two seasons I had a great time, the club was very successful and I was part of that and proud about my period in Southampton."

"I don't know (what kind of reaction he'll get from the Southampton fans). I cannot change opinions, feelings of the Southampton fans. I hope that they will respect me.

"We had a great time and, after my career, I will look back. But, of course, I understand different opinions, different reactions. I'm not afraid of that.

Teams

Southampton (from): Forster, Fonte, Bertrand, Soares, van Dijk, Hojbjerg, Davis, Romeu, Redmond, Austin, Boufal, Taylor, Long, Rodriguez, Reed, Yoshida, Clasie, Martina.

Everton (from): Stekelenburg, Robles, Williams, Funes Mori, Jagielka, Coleman, Baines, Oviedo, Holgate, Gueye, McCarthy, Barry, Cleverley, Davies, Barkley, Bolasie, Mirallas, Deulofeu, Lennon, Lukaku, Valencia, Kone.