Michael Owen has backed Everton to beat Southampton when the two sides meet at Goodison Park on Saturday.
The former Liverpool forward expects the Toffees to have just enough to edge the tie in their favour but expects the game to be entertaining as both sides are likely to have their fair share of opportunities to score.
Owen stated that he believes new Southampton signing Danny Ings is likely to start against the Toffees while Marco Silva is likely to field a couple of the players he signed on deadline day, including Yerry Mina.
“Everton did well to get a point at Wolves on Saturday having played over 50 minutes with 10-men following Phil Jagielka’s red card at Molineux,” said Owen as written on BetVictor.
“The Blues are likely to field at least a couple of their Deadline Day signings at Goodison with Yerry Mina a likely replacement for the suspended Jagielka.
“Danny Ings was a second-half substitute for the Saints in their 0-0 draw with Burnley on Sunday and it is likely that the former Liverpool striker will get a start back on Merseyside, given the striker looked sharp in his St Mary’s cameo against the Clarets.
“I think Everton will edge what promises to be an entertaining game with opportunities at both ends.”
OPINION
It seems Owen has been impressed by the signings both of these clubs have made even if he thinks the Saints will leave Goodison Park empty handed. The encounter between the Saints and the Toffees on Saturday is an intriguing one as both sides will be both looking to rack up their first three points of the campaign after only drawing last weekend. The Toffees will have to be wary about Ings if he starts as the former Liverpool attacker will no doubt be keen to score on his full debut for his new side. The 26-year-old had a terrible time at Anfield and is no doubt eager to remind everyone that he is a forward who can deliver the goods in the Premier League. Given that Jagielka will be missing, whoever replaces him will have to ensure they keep Ings at bay as he is sure to be going all out on Saturday. While Owen tips Mina to replace Jagielka, that’s hard to imagine as it feels like Silva will want him to get more training under his belt before starting a league game.