Sadio Mane is set free down the left of the goal, but the forward ever so slightly lets the ball overrun and shoots into the side netting. A warning for Everton, though. 

Image source, PA

Everton's away kit is a strange one, a bogey green - or military green - depending on your perception. 

Nice touch from Tom Cleverley on the edge of the box - but Southampton's defence remaining disciplined. 

Ross Barkley steps up, balloons his effort into the stands, although it did get a touch from a Southampton player so the visitors can enjoy their first corner of the match. 

Southampton holding firm. Arouna Kone in the box unmarked... but Cedric Soares puts his body in line of danger. Everton responding positively. 

Image source, PA

First corner of the game - to Southampton. James McCarthy heads away the danger, sets Romelu Lukaku free to bulldoze his way down the left. 

The Belgian is chopped down in full flight on the edge of the box and the Toffees have a free-kick in a promising position. 

Southampton dominating these early stages. Everton's defence deep... Graziano Pelle has a chance, he eyes a spectacular volley... but his timing fails him. But forward Southampton rumble... 

Image source, Reuters

Our friends at Opta tell us that Everton have kept just one clean sheet in their last 17 Premier League away games. That doesn't bode well for Roberto Martinez's men, neither does a menacing cross from Matt Targett which finds Graziano Pelle in the box. John Stones, though, alert and prevents the knock-on falling to Shane Long's path.

Raucous cheers for manager Ronald Koeman as he hobbles to the touchline with the help of crutches. Toot! goes the referee's whistle. We're off. 

Martin Fisher, Match of the Day:  "Both teams began with 2-2 draws but the reaction in the respective camps was different.

"Everton twice came from behind to snatch a draw at home to Watford,strengthening fears of another season of under achievement. Little summer transfer activity has left their squad looking light.

"In contrast, Southampton created enough chances to have won at Newcastle and left in optimistic mood.

"Morgan Schneiderlin and Nathaniel Clyne have gone but Saints reinforced brilliantly after losing their big-hitters a year ago and seem to have invested wisely again, while the return of fit-again Jay Rodriguez is a massive boost.

"St Mary's has been a miserable venue for Everton in recent years and I cannot see that changing this weekend."

Southampton players are wearing "Thank You Markus" shirts whilst warming up today. It's 5 years since their former owner Markus Liebherr died. 

Liebherr bought the club in 2009 and sadly died a year later as the club started to move upwards from League One to the Premier League

Image source, Get

A banner is flown over St Mary's stadium. "Kenwright and Co time to go," it reads. Everton fans apparently chipped in to hire a plane to fly over the stadium to make their displeasure with the current hierarchy known. Controversy even before kick-off. 

Southampton manager Ronald Koeman makes one change from the side that drew 2-2 at Newcastle on Sunday – Jay Rodriguez drops to the bench, with Shane Long, who scored at St James’ Park, coming in. New signing Oriol Romeu will make a debut if comes off the bench.

Southampton XI: Stekelenburg, Cedric, Yoshida, Fonte, Targett, S. Davis, Wanyama, Tadic, Mane, Long, Pelle.  

Image source, PA

Hello! There's little time for chit-chat so let's get straight into the team news.

Roberto Martinez makes one change from last week's 2-2 draw at home to Watford - Arouna Kone comes in for Kevin Mirallas, who is fit enough to make the bench. 

Brendan Galloway continues to deputise for injured left-back Leighton Baines, and winger Gerard Deulofeu will make his second debut for the club if he comes off the bench. Teenage defender Mason Holgate, signed from Barnsley on Thursday, is not in the squad.

Everton XI:  Howard, Coleman, Stones, Jagielka, Galloway, Barry, Cleverley, McCarthy, Barkley, Kone, Lukaku.