Southampton vs Everton preview: John Stones continues to draw focus amid Chelsea interest

A look ahead to the Premier League fixture at St Mary’s

Everton’s John Stones, left, produced a typically composed performance against Watford (PA)

It’s a big game for…

John Stones: Subject to transfer bids from Chelsea in recent weeks and having been left on his backside by Watford’s Odion Ighalo last weekend, a return to form in front of the television cameras may increase that price tag.

Stat…

4. The number of goalless draws produced by this fixture since the Premier League began in 1992.

Remember when…

Marcus Bent fired home a last minute equaliser at St Mary’s in April 2005. Southampton would rue the two points dropped as they were relegated a month later, while Everton would go on to qualify for the Champions League.

Player to watch…

Sadio Mane: In his last league game at St Mary’s the Senegalese notched the quickest ever Premier League hat trick (2m 56 seconds) against Aston Villa. A lively performance against Newcastle last time out suggests Mane has carried his good form into the new season.

(Getty Images)

Past three-meetings…

Everton 1 (Jagielka) Southampton 0, Premier League, April 2015

Southampton 3 (Lukaku OG, Pelle, Yoshida) Everton 0), Premier League, December 2014

Southampton 2 (Alcaraz OG, Coleman OG) Everton 0, Premier League, April 2014

Premier League form guide…

Southampton: D

Everton: D

Vital information…

KICK-OFF TIME: 12.45pm, Saturday 15th August

TV: Live on BT Sport 1 12pm, highlights on Match of the Day BBC1 10.20pm