Everton-Southampton match preview: Toffees’ last game at Goodison Park

As the sun sets over one of English football’s most iconic stadiums, Everton prepares for an emotional farewell to Goodison Park, their home ground for 132 years. Sunday’s match against relegated Southampton marks the senior men’s team’s 2,791st and final game at the historic venue before the Toffees move into their long-awaited Bramley-Moore Dock stadium next season.

The significance of this match is undeniable. For generations of Everton supporters, Goodison has been a fortress, a battleground, and a place of identity. Having secured their survival in the Premier League a few weeks ago, the motivation for David Moyes’s men is now deeply rooted in pride, nostalgia, and the prospect of closing this chapter on a high. After ending a four-game winless run with a resounding 3-1 victory at Fulham last weekend, morale at Finch Farm has been higher than ever in recent weeks.

Final Farewells and Recent Struggles

Although Everton enters this clash with a strong showing, their home form is a cause for concern. The Merseyside club has gone seven consecutive competitive matches at Goodison without a win (5 draws, 2 defeats), with their last home victory dating back to early February. During this period, their players have often wasted time in front of the goal and been vulnerable late on, costing them valuable points.

They will be particularly cautious ahead of this match, given their recent past. Despite Southampton’s relegation a few weeks ago, the Saints have dominated Everton this season, winning the first leg 1-0 in the Premier League and eliminating the Toffees from the EFL Cup on penalties. These results make this final home game as much an opportunity for redemption as it is for celebration.

Southampton seeks one last surprise

The curtain is also falling for Southampton, but in a more somber manner. Already condemned to the earliest relegation in Premier League history, their fate has long been sealed. However, there were signs of life last weekend, with a surprise 0-0 draw against title contenders Manchester City. A result that restored some pride and ended a run of four defeats in all competitions.

Although this season will be remembered as the worst in the club’s history in the Premier League, the Saints still have small goals to achieve. Avoiding defeat at Goodison Park would mean a first league double against Everton since 1997/98. It would also mark a rare positive chapter in an otherwise bleak run.

Historical context and H2H perspectives

Southampton’s record at Goodison Park, however, leaves something to be desired. Aside from a shock 2-1 victory in January 2023, the Saints had failed to win in their 17 consecutive Premier League away games at Goodison (D5 L12). Furthermore, they haven’t kept a league clean sheet at this ground since 2003, suggesting defensive problems are nothing new at Merseyside.

Everton, for their part, have historically dominated this encounter, winning 51 of their 107 league meetings. However, recent head-to-head encounters have been more evenly matched, with Southampton having won two of their last three meetings in all competitions.

Key players to watch

As Everton looks to give their fans something to cheer about, much will depend on Beto, who leads the club in Premier League goals this season with eight.

The Portuguese striker has shown decent form in the second half of the season, scoring seven goals in 2025 alone. With his physical presence and aerial power, Beto will look to exploit a Southampton defense that has conceded a league-record number of goals.

For the visitors, the key figure remains Mateus Fernandes. Despite the team’s struggles, the midfielder has consistently been Southampton’s most involved player in attack, registering the most shots of any player in the squad this season.

His dynamism in midfield gives the Saints hope of at least competing with Everton.

Statistical Information

Everton is the only Premier League team yet to concede a penalty this season, showing defensive discipline even amid broader inconsistencies.

Southampton have dropped a league-record 28 points from a winning position, highlighting a recurring fragility.

No team has drawn more home games this season than Everton (9), which underlines their inability to kill off games at Goodison.

Emotional benefit and motivation

This match isn’t about standings, the title, or survival, but about legacy. For Everton, it’s an opportunity to pay tribute to the fans, players, and memories etched in the foundations of Goodison. Expect a wild atmosphere, emotional tributes, and a team determined to deliver a final victory for the blue half of Merseyside, in its spiritual home.

For Southampton, it’s all about going out with dignity. The Saints have shown they can be tenacious, even in the toughest moments, and another close encounter could well be on the cards.

Prediction: Everton 2-1 Southampton

Buoyed by their win against Fulham and their history, Everton should have the motivation to pull off a victory. Southampton could give them cause for concern, especially on the counterattack, but this opportunity, combined with their superior form and firepower, suggests a narrow victory in their final moments for the Toffees.