Southampton vs Everton team news: 6 players out and 4 doubtful

Everton look to stretch their unbeaten streak to six games when they make the trip to Southampton on Saturday.

After a difficult start to the campaign, the Toffees have picked up - and are now five points above the Premier League relegation zone. Sean Dyche’s side required a 94th-minute equaliser to earn a 1-1 draw against Fulham last time out and while the performance was below-par, the Everton boss was pleased with the resolve and desire his troops displayed.

And the Blues will feel that they can secure successive away victories against a Southampton side who have struggled since their return to the top flight. The Saints have accrued only one point in nine matches, although they did pick up a 3-2 win over Stoke City in the Carabao Cup - and knocked Everton out of the competition last month.

Ahead of the St Mary’s fixture, here’s a look at the early team news for both sides.

Southampton team news

Gavin Bazunu - out

The goalkeeper is still recovering from an Achilles injury he suffered last April.

Ross Stewart - out

The striker has endured a frustrating period with injuries during his time at Southampton and he’s on the treatment table for ‘a period of time’ according to manager Russell Martin.

Will Smallbone - out

The Republic of Ireland international is another who Martin has admitted won’t be available for the Saints for ‘a little bit of time’.

Ryan Fraser - doubt

The winger was substituted in the first half against Stoke because of illness.

Flynn Downes - minor doubt

The midfielder has missed Southampton’s past two games - first with a knock and then because off sickness.

Everton team news

Armando Broja - out

The Chelsea loanee has yet to make an appearance since his deadline-day arrival. Dyche admitted that Broja is still a period away from getting back to action and will need minutes for the under-21s before featuring for the first team.

Youssef Chermiti - out

The Portugal youth international sustained a ‘strange’ foot injury before the start of the season and is still a few weeks away from being back. He will also need to get game-time for the under-21s.

Tim Iroegbunam - out

The midfielder has suffered a stress fracture to his foot and is set to be unavailable for at least another couple of weeks.

Dwight McNeil - doubt

The forward was forced off in the closing stages against Fulham. Dyche was unsure of the extent of McNeil’s problem.

James Garner - major doubt

The midfielder has missed the past two games with a back injury. Everton have been assessing Garner’s issue but he may not be risked.

Stanley Mills - out

The versatile 21-year-old has been sidelined for 10 months after suffering a serious knee injury during a fruitful loan spell at Oxford United.