Preview: Southampton vs. Everton

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman could face further selection problems for the club's fixture with Everton.

The Saints, who have been plagued by injuries in recent weeks, will definitely be without Dusan Tadic and Jake Hesketh, while there are doubts over the fitness of Steven Davis and Graziano Pelle.

That could leave Koeman being forced to start midfielder James Ward-Prowse, who has only just returned from a three-month spell on the sidelines, and Emmanuel Mayuka, with Shane Long possibly being moved into a wide position.

Four consecutive league defeats have seen Southampton fall from second to fifth in the table and if results go against them over the weekend, they could soon find themselves two spots lower in seventh.

Everton boss Roberto Martinez has indicated that midfield duo Leon Osman and Kevin Mirallas will miss the trip to St Mary's through injury but expects the pair to return within weeks rather than months.

However, Martinez is boosted by the return of Gareth Barry, who sat out Monday's 3-1 victory over Queens Park Rangers through suspension.

The success at Goodison Park ended a run of three games without a win and Martinez will have his eyes on a top-six position by the end of 2014.

Southampton:

Form in Premier League: WDLLLL Form in all competitions: DLLLLL

Possible starting lineup: Forster; Clyne, Fonte, Alderweireld, Bertrand; Wanyama, S. Davis; Ward-Prowse, Long, Mane; Mayuka

Everton:

Form in Premier League: DWLDLW Form in all competitions: WLDLLW

Possible starting lineup: Howard, Baines, Distin, Jagielka, Coleman, Besic, Barkley, Barry, Naismith, McGeady, Lukaku

Sports Mole says: 1-2