Southampton hosts Everton on Monday night at St. Mary's stadium, which will be the Saints first game since former manager Nigel Adkins was fired, sending shockwaves through English football.

Photo: Reuters

New Southampton manager Mauricio Pochettino will be on the sidelines in what will be his first test for the new Saints boss when they host a strong Everton team, who is playing for a spot in the top four.

Southampton has been playing well recently and are unbeaten in their last five Premier League matches, but the team's focus could play a factor given the sudden departure of Adkins.

The Saints are also playing to stay in the premiership and have lost just two games in their last 12, leaving them 15th in the standings and a full three points clear of the relegation zone. They should be full of confidence after coming back from a 2-goal deficit to earn a point against Chelsea in their last match.

Southampton have scored in 11 of their past 12 home games and are expected to start Rickie Lambert, who scored in the draw against Chelsea and who has 10 goals for the year.

David Moyes and Everton will be aiming for a full three points given that the Toffees have a good record against Southampton. They have not lost to Southampton in their last six meetings.

Everton also has been playing well in the league, having gone without an away defeat in their last five fixtures as the club fights for a top four finish. The Toffees are still looking for a UEFA Champions League birth even though they have only won once in their last three matches. If they are able to come away with full points, they would pull within one point of fourth place Tottenham.

Kick-off for the match is at 3:00 p.m. and can be watched online here.