Ryan Bertrand almost makes Darron Gibson pay for conceding a free-kick 25 yards out but his free-kick is palmed wide by keeper Joel Robles.

Image source, PA

Sadio Mane sends a shot into the side-netting for Southampton before Darron Gibson cynically brings down Shane Long as the visiting striker runs at the Everton goal. Gibson is booked in one of the easier decisions for referee Craig Pawson.

Arouna Kone tries an ambitious overhead kick at the far post from a right-wing cross and it looks good only for the fact that he completely misses the ball. 

Image source, Getty Images

Southampton defender Jose Fonte is chatting with the referee before going off with a head injury and Maya Yoshida comes on. 

Kevin Mirallas cuts inside from the left and surges on the Southampton goal before his 22-yard shot is deflected wide for a corner.

There's been no goals so far but you get the feeling one is just round the corner. It'll probably stay goalless now - commentator's curse and all that.

Image source, Getty Images

Kevin Mirallas is furious. He dispossesses Victor Wanyama and is about to burst through on the Southampton goal but gets a tug from Jose Fonte as he goes to ground. Fonte's misdemeanour was on referee Craig Pawson's blind side so play goes on. 

Everton are yet to have a shot on goal against Southampton at Goodison. 

The Saints are seeing less ball but using it well and have had three.

Image source, .

Southampton go close twice in quick sucession. Dusan Tadic sends a shot just over from eight yards before Shane Long gets clear only to put his angled drive over. warming up nicely here.

Postpublished at 18 mins

18 mins

Everton 0-0 Southampton

Image source, Getty Images

Everton go close. Kevin Mirallas catches a Gerard Delofeu cross with a sweet strike but Southampton defender Jose Fonte is in the right place as the ball smashes into his chest as he blocks.

Image source, Reuters

Southampton are getting into the game now. They press high up the pitch to win back possession before trying to work a way through Everton's defence, which stands firm. 

Image source, Reuters

Southampton have hardly threatened but they go close when an attempted cross from Cuco Martina ends up forcing Everton keeper Joel Robles to palm the ball over from under his crossbar.

Southampton keeper Fraser Forster nearly drops a clanger. He not only fails to catch a Bryan Oviedo free-kick but cannot gather the loose ball before Victor Wanyama intervenes to clear and save his team-mates blushes.

Everton start well as they work a nice move which ends in Leon Osman squaring a ball across the box which defender Ryan Bertrand puts out of play at the far post. 

The managers share a chat and a laugh before the ref gets the game under way...

Kevin Kilbane
Former Everton winger on Final Score

"It has been very, very, poor. With the calibre of players Everton have got, it is unacceptable. They should be close to the top four."

The chorus of disapproval against Roberto Martinez has been getting louder recently - as the banner from last week's draw at Watford shows - and he faces big week in his Everton managerial career as he tries to get his doubters back on side.

After today's game, his side have a short trip to face derby rivals Liverpool before an FA Cup semi-final against Manchester United at Wembley next Saturday.

B-E-E-E-G W-E-E-K

Image source, Getty Images

The players are out and shaking hands as kick-off approaches...

Mark Lawrenson
BBC football expert

"Southampton easily dispatched Newcastle last week but you cannot really use that as a yardstick because this will be a lot tougher for them.

"Everton have won only once at home in the Premier League since 2 November and have lost their past three league matches at Goodison Park."

Lawro is taking on actors Idris Elba and Richard Madden, who feature in new film 'Bastille Day' this week and you can read more by clicking here.

Plus, if you can do better than Lawro then predict the score for this match and the rest of this round's Premier League fixtures in our Predictor game.