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PREVIEW: Southampton vs Everton

Ronald Koeman's depleted Saints side will be looking to put a stop to their worrying run of five defeats in a row when Everton visit St. Mary's on Saturday.

Alex Livesey/Getty Images

It hasn't been the best of times for Ronald Koeman. Defeats to Arsenal, Manchester United, Manchester City, Burnley and League One Sheffield United has left Saints on the ropes.

They still lie pretty in fifth place in the Premier League, something no one expected before the season had started, but this run of losses will have worried the legendary Dutch coach.

Southampton's squad has been stretched over the last few weeks with injuries to key members of their starting XI. and Tuesday's Capital One Cup loss to Sheffield United sees Morgan Schneiderlin, VIctor Wanyama and Florin Gardos all out through suspension.

Meanwhile, Dusan Tadic and Jake Hesketh join a long list of injured Saints players and are certain to miss Saturday's clash with Everton, while Graziano Pelle and Steven Davis are doubtful to feature.

With all of Southampton's missing players, expect to see a number of the club's young prospects to feature. Ryan Seager, who is in great goalscoring form for the Saints U21 side, could make his full debut for the Southampton senior team.

Everton will be aiming to avoid a third consecutive away defeat in the Premier League. Their record at Southampton has seen them win just twice in 15 Premier League visits to Southampton.

Roberto Martinez's Everton side will be missing Kevin Mirallas and Leon Osman, while there are doubts over the fitness of James McCarthy and Darron Gibson. Midfielder Gareth Barry returns for the Toffees.