Hello everyone and happy new year! It may be a new dawn for the rest of the world, but in the Premier League, we are halfway through an exciting season. Generally, wherever teams find themselves at this stage of the campaign provides an indicator as to where they could finish come May. Right here we are focusing on the encounter between Everton and Southampton at Goodison Park, with both clubs sitting in the top half of the table. The Merseyside outfit are seventh on 27 points, while the Saints are ninth on 24.

Both outfits would have targeted Europe at the start of the season, but as it stands after 19 games, they are off the pace by some margin. Manchester City currently occupy fifth spot, and Everton are 12 points adrift and Southampton 15. In addition, the top-flight pair have only managed to win two of their last six fixtures, so consistency is lacking.

As we all know, Ronald Koeman left his post as Southampton manager last summer to take Roberto Martinez's role at Everton. The Dutchman faced his former club in November at St Mary's, and it was not a happy return as Charlie Austin scored the only goal in a 1-0 triumph for the Saints. Koeman may feel hopeful heading into this afternoon's game, though, as his side are in better form having recorded just one defeat in their last four, while Claude Puel's men head to Goodison Park with back-to-back defeats to their name.

Right, before we delve any deeper, let's bring you the lineups for both teams. We'll start with the hosts!

EVERTON XI: Joel; Baines, Funes Mori, Williams, Coleman; Gueye, Davies; Lennon, Barkley, Calvert-Lewin; Lukaku
Subs: Hewelt, Jagielka, Mirallas, Cleverley, Barry, Valencia, Holgate

SOUTHAMPTON XI: Forster; Cedric, Yoshida, Fonte, McQueen; Romeu, Clasie; Ward-Prowse, Tadic, Redmond; Rodriguez
Subs: Lewis, Long, Davis, Reed, Boufal, Bertrand, Stephens

Ronald Koeman has made four changes to his Everton team this afternoon as youngster Dominic Calvert-Lewin earns his first start, while fellow teen Tom Davies also makes the cut. Ramiro Funes Mori comes into the defence to replace Phil Jagielka, while Gareth Barry and Enner Valencia drop to the bench. Aaron Lennon comes into the fold, while Kevin Mirallas misses out on a starting spot. Goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenberg remains on the sidelines with a dead leg.

👏🏼 | A first #EFC start for 19-year-old forward @CalvertLewin14 and a second for 18-year-old midfielder @1TomDavies. Good luck, lads! pic.twitter.com/GFhJKE7heS — Everton (@Everton) January 2, 2017

As for Southampton, Claude Puel has made six changes, with Jose Fonte coming into the defence to replace Virgil van Dijk, who misses out through suspension. Cedric also starts in defence, while Jordy Clasie and James Ward-Prowse come into the fold. Nathan Redmond and Jay Rodriguez have also been given the nod, while Steven Davis, Cuco Martina, Sofiane Boufal and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg drop out. Shane Long has also been left out of the first XI, instead settling for a place on the bench.

The hectic festive period is always the biggest test for teams in the domestic season. The fixtures come thick and fast, and it is the worst time to lose pace on rivals. For Everton, since the start of December they have recorded two wins, two draws and two defeats. Koeman's team managed to snatch a late 1-1 draw against Manchester United, and they also stunned Arsenal with a 2-1 win and defeated reigning champions Leicester City 2-0 away.

However, they were also undone by Watford in a 3-2 loss at the Hawthorns after going in front thanks to Romelu Lukaku's goal, and they were denied a point against Merseyside rivals Liverpool when Sadio Mane snatched a 94th-minute winner at Goodison on December 19. The most recent result came at the King Power Stadium just three days ago when they claimed a 2-2 draw with Hull City.

The Toffees went a goal down in the seventh minute when Michael Dawson struck, but an own goal from David Marshall gave Everton hope. Robert Snodgrass restored Hull's lead in the second half, but Ross Barkley, who has been getting plenty of flack from Everton fans of late, rescued a point by scoring with six minutes of normal time on the clock.

Before the game Everton were tipped as favourites to take all three points, and considering that Hull are in the relegation battle, Koeman's men should have seen them off. There seems to be an air of dissatisfaction in the blue half of Merseyside, but they have a positive home record having lost just one of their last 12 league games at Goodison. On the downside, they will have suffered back-to-back defeats for the first time since March if they lose to Southampton today.

One man who has been under the spotlight by both the fans and his own manager is Ross Barkley. The midfielder has not quite reached expectations of him when he burst onto the scene at his boyhood club a few years ago. The now 23-year-old was tipped as the next Paul Gascoigne and even drew comparisons to Everton's last local hero - Wayne Rooney. However, in recent seasons he has struggled for consistency, which has affected his England career as he has not made an international squad since Euro 2016.

This season Koeman has publicly called on Barkley to improve, warning him that he could lose his place in the team if he fails to do so. The midfielder has also had some stick from supporters, with the general feeling that Barkley should be more influential on the pitch at this stage of his career, but former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has urged the fans to give the midfielder a break. The ex-England skipper said during a punditry spell with BT Sport that Everton need to bring in players to help Barkley rather than let the responsibility fall solely on his shoulders.

"Blaming Barkley won't help!" Steven Gerrard calls for @Everton to spend money and support Ross Barkley. #PLTonight https://t.co/bg6MBDktyD — BT Sport Football (@btsportfootball) December 31, 2016

TRANSFER WATCH! As Gerrard mentioned, he thinks that Everton should dip into the January market to buy reinforcements to help Barkley. Well, some midfield talents have been touted as possible targets for the Merseyside outfit. Manchester United's Morgan Schneiderlin is one, while his teammate Memphis Depay is also rumoured to be an option. The Dutchman would provide width in the absence of injured Yannick Bolasie. Werder Bremen midfielder Thomas Delaney is also reported to be on Everton's wishlist this month. Well, we have 28 days to see if any deals come off!

Some of the buildup to today's match has centred around Koeman given that he is facing his former club. He was on the losing side in the reverse match in November, and while he is determined to get the right result this afternoon, it is not about "revenge".

Ahead of the match he told reporters: "It is not about revenge. Of course it is always special because I was the manager of Southampton for two seasons.

"But we had a really poor game there, maybe it was one of the worst of the season — the whole team performance.

"You know if you go down after one minute then it is always difficult, because they play with good organisation. But this game will be totally different. We need some attacking improvement in the team."

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DID YOU KNOW? Everton's nine headed goals this season is the most scored by any Premier League side so far in the 2016-17 campaign. A negative in terms of attack, though, is that Lukaku has scored just one goal in 12 Premier League appearances for the club in the month of January.

Let's switch our attention to Southampton then, shall we? As mentioned, the club currently sit ninth in the standings after winning six, drawing six and losing seven. The concerning aspect for the Saints is that they have struggled for firepower up front having scored just eight goals in their last 10 top-flight fixtures.

Since the start of December, Puel's side have won just twice, drawn once and lost three times. They saw off Middlesbrough by just the one goal, which was scored by Sofiane Boufal, and they also came from behind to beat Bournemouth 3-1 last month. However, Southampton's month was dampened by a 3-0 loss to Crystal Palace, a goalless stalemate with Stoke and a 4-1 defeat at home to Tottenham Hotspur on December 28.

Just two days ago, the Saints were in action against West Bromwich Albion at St Mary's, and it was a positive start for the team as Shane Long put them ahead with a 41st-minute goal. They ended up throwing away their lead, though, as Matt Phillips equalised just two minutes later and Hal Robson-Kanu found the winner for the visiting Baggies.

Not only did Southampton lose the game, they also lost key defender Virgil van Dijk after he was sent off with just one minute of normal time remaining. The centre-back, who has been linked with Chelsea, Manchester City, Everton and Liverpool, was shown a second yellow card for pulling down Salomon Rondon.

Van Dijk has dominated the transfer gossip pages over the last few weeks, while his fellow defender Jose Fonte has also featured in exit rumours. Fonte, who won Euro 2016 with Portugal in the summer, recently admitted that he has not been offered a new contract by the club, sparking reports that the club captain could leave before the end of January. The defender's contract at St Mary's expires in 18 months' time.

However, Puel recently claimed that neither of his defenders will leave this month. He told reporters: "Of course they will both stay. It's important for them to stay and have a good attitude and improve our position in the table.

"Virgil is a very important player for us and he will stay here. It will be important with Virgil to continue his work and [help us] go up on the table. For me it's not an idea or view with Virgil [to leave].

"Jose [situation] is a little peculiar but he is contracted with Southampton. It's always speculation about different players. It's normal because they are great and important players."

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DID YOU KNOW? Southampton have the exact same record at this stage of the season as they did in the 2015-16 campaign. Under Koeman they had won six, drawn six and lost seven at the halfway point, and they have matched that under Puel.

HEAD TO HEAD: As mentioned, Southampton came out on top in the reverse fixture in November at St Mary's. In the last five meetings between the clubs, the Saints have won three, while Everton have triumphed twice and the pair could not be separated in a 1-1 draw last season. The Toffees have scored seven goals in a game on just two occasions in the Premier League, and one of those was against Southampton in November 1996 (a 7-1 win).

Both sets of players are lining up in the tunnel and will make their way out onto the pitch soon. Where do you see this one going? Considering Everton's impressive form at Goodison Park and Southampton's lacklustre threat in front of goal, we'll go for a home win.

KICKOFF! We're underway on Merseyside! Kevin Friend is the referee for this one.

Oh dear, some trouble for Cedric as he ends up crashing into an advertising hoarding during a Southampton attack. He's hurt himself in the process and the visitors are currently down to 10 men.

On the pitch, Everton create their first chance of the game as Barkley drives forward and collects the ball on the edge of the box from Lukaku. The Englishman hits it on the half-volley, but Forster saves comfortably.

SOUTHAMPTON SUB: An early blow for the visitors as Cedric is forced off with the head injury that he sustained earlier. Stephens comes on off the bench to make his Premier League debut.

Some problems for Everton as well as youngster Calvert-Lewin seems to be struggling with his left ankle after a coming together with Fonte, but the attacker appears as though he will carry on.

EVERTON SUB: Oh dear. We're 12 minutes in and both teams have been forced into early substitutions. This time it's Calvert-Lewin who makes way. It was his first senior start for Everton, but he's only managed to last a few minutes. Mirallas replaces him.

CHANCE! An opportunity for the visitors as Williams fails to cope with Clasie's cross and Redmond latches on with a header, but his attempt misses the target.

Unfortunately there is not much to report at the moment! Neither side have been able to pose much of an attacking threat as yet, with moves breaking down.

SAVE! Southampton win a corner, but they fail to make the most of it as Everton clear the danger. The hosts storm down the other end of the pitch. Lukaku uses his strength to keep his marker at bay before unleashing a shot, but Forster stops with his legs.

At the other end, from a free kick, Redmond cuts inside from the left and darts past Coleman before driving a low shot at goal, but Joel comfortably makes a stop.

A frustrating first half so far as the flow of the game is really lacking. Neither are imposing much of a threat and both goalkeepers have had a quiet afternoon so far.

GOAL DISALLOWED! Southampton have the ball back in the net but it won't count as Rodriguez helped it along with his hand after meeting Ward-Prowse's cross.

Everton are dominating the possession stats at the moment as they push men forward, but are yet to cause some real trouble to Southampton's goal. They're also leaving themselves susceptible to the counter attack.

Lennon moves to the edge of the box and sets himself up for a shot, but Southampton's defenders crowd him out and the move breaks down.

CHANCE! Rodriguez tries to inject some life into this game as he gets past Davies and Williams before striking from the edge of the area. The Southampton man's effort misses the target, though, as the ball sails over the crossbar.

BOOKING! Ward-Prowse is the first player to receive a yellow card in this game after he lunges in late on Davies.

We have three additional minutes to play here due to the injuries that were suffered early on. The match has livened up slightly, but we could do with more fluency on the pitch.

Both teams make their way down the tunnel and it's still all to play for as the scoreline is goalless after a rather dull opening 45 minutes. The visitors lost Cedric to a head injury early on, while Everton teenager Dominic Calvert-Lewin was also forced off inside the first 12 minutes with an ankle problem. The enforced changes had an effect on both teams, with neither managing to cause much of an attacking threat. The only real chance of the game fell to Jay Rodriguez, who fired over the crossbar. Hopefully we'll be treated to a better display in the second half!

RESTART! The players are back out onto the pitch and play resumes! Will there be a winner this afternoon? We have 45 minutes plus stoppage time to find out!

Lukaku wins a free kick in Southampton's half and it's Barkley who steps up to take it. Not the best effort from the midfielder as the visitors clear the danger with ease.

Mirallas tries to pick out Lukaku with a through-ball but McQueen spots it and charges across to intercept the pass.

Romeu hurts himself in a high challenge on Davies. He's clutching his leg, but it seems as though he is strong enough to continue. Everton take the free kick, but they fail to make the most of it and it breaks down.

Lennon may not be creating much in terms of an attacking sense, he tracks back and makes a well-timed tackle to stop McQueen's run.

Southampton enjoy some time on the ball as they string some decent passes together. The move ends up at Redmond's feet and as he attempts to deliver the ball into the area, the ball hits the side-netting.

EVERTON SUB: Koeman makes a change as Valencia comes on to replace Lennon. Some fresh legs in attack.

CHANCE! Lukaku breaks away from his marker and goes it alone with a shot across goal, but it drags wide. He had Valencia as an option to pass to, but the Belgian tried to find the breakthrough himself.

SAVE! A lovely ball over the top from Rodriguez finds Redmond, who forces a stop from Joel.

At the other end, Barkley tries his luck, but it's poor from the midfielder and the ball sails over the crossbar.

A goal at last! Everton take the lead through substitute Valencia. Coleman starts off the move by lifting the ball for Lukaku, whose bouncing header is stopped by Forster. The rebound comes off the striker's though before dropping into Valencia's path. The Ecuadorian then drills a low drive into the net from close range.

The home side are awarded a penalty after Valencia gets brought down in the box by Yoshida. It's easy for Baines as he slots the ball into the left corner, sending Forster the wrong way.

EVERTON SUB: Barkley makes way and receives a great reaction from the crowd as Barry replaces him.

Great clearance from Williams as the defender flicks the ball away while it was dropping towards the net.

Suddenly there's a flurry of goals as Lukaku slams the ball into the back of the net to claim his fifth goal in eight games against the Saints.

In a game that looked as though a point would be shared, Everton have come away 3-0 winners over Southampton after scoring inside the final 16 minutes of the game. Enner Valencia broke the deadlock, while Leighton Baines netted from the penalty spot and Romelu Lukaku rounded it off in the 87th minute. Everton sit seventh on 30 points, while Southampton remain ninth on 24. Thanks for joining us, and until next time, goodbye!