This article is part of Football FanCast’s The Chalkboard series, which provides a tactical insight into teams, players, managers, potential signings and more…
Southampton welcome Everton to St Mary’s this weekend in what will be the south coast side’s first game back at St Mary’s since they were humiliated by Leicester.
The Saints suffered the joint-heaviest Premier League defeat of all time in that game, and have since suffered back-to-back defeats against Manchester City – firstly in the Carabao Cup, and then in the Premier League.
Everton themselves also aren’t in great form, with Marco Silva’s men sat just three points above Southampton in 17th place having amassed 11 points from their first 11 games.
Ralph Hasenhuttl saw somewhat of a reaction from his team in their narrow 2-1 loss to City last time out, although one line-up decision he made was a tad unusual.
What did Hasenhuttl do?
For the first time in the Premier League this season, the former RB Leipzig boss decided to deploy Pierre-Emile Højbjerg at left-back.
Ryan Bertrand missed the trip to the Etihad after picking up a red card against Leicester, and remains out for this weekend’s game.
A natural centre-midfielder by trade, it was somewhat strange to see the 31-cap Denmark international line up at left-back, and if Hasenhuttl decides to do the same against Everton, Højbjerg could have a tough job on his hands.
Why?
Well, presumably lining up on the right wing for Everton is Richarlison, a man who has made nine appearances on that side of the pitch already this season.
The Brazil international has four goals in all competitions for the Merseysiders this term, after notching 13 league goals in 2018/19.
Formerly of Watford, Richarlison takes 2.6 shots per game on average in the league this season, while also drawing 2.1 fouls per game – the 22-year-old also wins 2.3 aerial duels per game.
The Brazilian is arguably one of the Toffees’ best players, and he would surely pose issues even for a recognised left-back, so one can only imagine how a centre-midfielder will fare against the tricky forward.
