Before the start of the season, many would have had Everton fighting for a European spot and Southampton content with a mid-table finish, but the fixture at Goodison Park sees the two clubs chase opposite targets in the table.
Southampton have caused a surprise by maintaining their early form to remain in close proximity to the "big six", while Everton still need to get themselves over the line to avoid being drawn into a relegation scrap over the next few weeks.
Everton
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For the first time in months, Everton boss Roberto Martinez can take his side into a Premier League fixture on the back of successive victories, results that have almost ensured that the Toffees will avoid any worries about securing their top-flight status.
A 3-0 win over Newcastle United was their most convincing home performance for some time, before the Merseyside outfit showed another side of their game to edge out Queens Park Rangers at Loftus Road.
They still have plenty of work to do to satisfy their supporters, who have been far from happy with this season's efforts, but their recent form is at least a step in the right direction after weeks of looking over their shoulder.
Martinez will be keen to finish in 11th position in the standings, and the Spaniard will hope that Ross Barkley can play an active part in the run-in to try to meet that target.
The 21-year-old earned mixed reviews for his performance for England against Italy in midweek, but Martinez insists that everyone is still to see the best of Barkley, who has struggled to provide a cutting edge in the final third.
Injury and illness to John Stones has also influenced Everton's results this season, and although he is still to find his best form, his return should boost a backline that has struggled for clean sheets since August.
Recent form: LDLLWW
Recent form (all competitions): LLWWLW
Southampton
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After successive defeats to West Bromwich Albion and Liverpool, it looked as though Southampton could fall adrift of the top six, but seven points from three games have ensured that their European dream remains alive.
Narrow home wins over Crystal Palace and Burnley were expected, but the 1-1 draw away at Chelsea was considered a bonus, and it could prove vital at the end of the season.
Manager Ronald Koeman will demand one final push to try to confirm a place in the top six, but the Dutchman will acknowledge that his team may find it tough to fend off the challenge of both Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur.
The form of Graziano Pelle would have been a worry for Koeman, but after witnessing the striker net a header against England in midweek, he will be hopeful that he will return to club action with more belief in his game.
However, before the international break, the Saints were dealt a major blow when Fraser Forster was ruled out for the season with a serious knee injury.
The former Celtic stopper has been one of the stars of the campaign, and understudy Kelvin Davis has big boots to fill for the remaining eight games.
Recent form: DLLWDW
Team News
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Martinez could decide to recall Barkley for the visit of the Saints, with the midfielder possibly being preferred to striker Arouna Kone, who partnered Romelu Lukaku against QPR.
Stones will keep his place ahead of Antolin Alcaraz, but left-back Leighton Baines remains a doubt after being forced to cut short his stay with England because of injury.
As already mentioned, Forster's place in goal will be taken by Davis, who managed to maintain Southampton's clean sheet against Burnley.
However, midfielder Steven Davis is suffering from a groin problem and will be assessed on Friday.
Everton possible starting lineup:
Howard, Coleman, Stones, Jagielka, Baines, Gibson, McCarthy, Osman, Lennon, Barkley, Lukaku
Southampton possible starting lineup:
K.Davis, Clyne, Bertrand, Alderweireld, Fonte, Schneiderlin, S.Davis, Tadic, Mane, Pelle, Long
Head To Head
Everton hold a clear advantage in the head-to-head record between the two clubs, prevailing on 37 occasions compared to the 22 wins that Southampton have registered.
The Toffees have also dominated the recent exchanges at home, winning five of the last six matches, with Southampton failing to earn success at Goodison Park since 1997 - a run stretching nine games.
The teams last met in December when Southampton eased to a 3-0 victory thanks to a Lukaku own goal and efforts from Pelle and Maya Yoshida.
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Hit play below to see what the Sports Mole Sofa had to say about this encounter:
We say: Everton 1-1 Southampton
You can make a case for either side to be considered favourites for this game. Southampton are the form side but Everton need to satisfy their home support after a number of inconsistent performances throughout the season. The home side will probably make a lot of the running but Southampton have shown already this season they are more than capable of earning results away from home.
Darren Plant
