PREM: Everton v Southampton preview

Everton v Southampton preview

Kurt Zouma and Bernard could make their Everton debuts against Southampton at Goodison Park on Saturday, but Yerry Mina will not play.

Defenders Zouma and Mina joined the Toffees on Deadline Day along with Bernard and Andre Gomes.

Zouma and Bernard are in contention to play on Saturday, having missed the 2-2 draw at Wolves last weekend, but Gomes is ruled out with injury and Colombia international Mina is not yet ready.

Either Zouma or Mason Holgate will start at centre-back in place of Phil Jagielka, who is suspended after being sent off against Wolves.

Manager Marco Silva said: "For all of the new players they have to show me that they are ready and better than the others. That is a normal thing in football.

 

"It is important to show what we want and for the new signings to want to take the position. The way I work I like to have problems to make decisions. We are doing everything to strengthen our squad."

Southampton return to Goodison Park just over three months after conceding a stoppage-time equaliser which left their top-flight status hanging by a thread. They recovered from the 1-1 draw to avoid relegation on the final day of the season.

"It was a difficult one," said manager Mark Hughes, whose side drew 0-0 with Burnley on the opening day.

"The abiding memory for me was the disappointment for the players themselves because they put in such a huge effort to get us over the line,"

 

"It felt like a harsh blow because of how we performed in the game but the impressive thing for me was how we recovered.

"We could have felt at that moment we weren't going to stay in the Premier League but to a man they used it as motivation."

 

Zouma and Bernard are available for Everton along with Ademola Lookman and Jonjoe Kenny.

Richarlison is also fit after scoring both goals against Wolves.

Southampton could be without summer signing Mohamed Elyounoussi as he has a hamstring problem and is unlikely to be risked.

Midfielder Stuart Armstrong has shaken off a knock and should be available, while striker Danny Ings could make his first start since his Deadline Day move from Liverpool.