EVERTON winger Ademola Lookman could start back-to-back Premier League matches for the first time in nearly two years against Saints tomorrow.

The 21 year-old has been linked with a move to St Mary’s, having scored five goals in 11 games under Ralph Hasenhuttl while on loan at RB Leipzig during the last few months of last season.

Now, after helping Everton to a 2-0 win against AFC Bournemouth last week, he is expected to take on his former manager’s club.

That would allow Everton manager Marco Silva to continue playing Richarlison as a striker even if the winger is not in the best goalscoring form.

The Brazil international is the Toffees’ top scorer with nine this season, but after a run of three goals in five matches in December he has not found the net in the last five.

He looked uncomfortable against the Cherries’ two centre-backs last week, frequently not even attempting to challenge for aerial balls.

But Silva insists the 21-year-old is happy in his front-man role.

“My aim as a coach and a manager is to put the starting XI on the pitch and the XI I think is the best solution for each match,” said Silva ahead of the trip to Southampton.

“Richarlison can play out wide or as a striker; now he is playing more as a striker.”

Defender Phil Jagielka is Everton’s only injury absentee for today’s clash.

The club captain has featured just five times in the matchday squad this season it will not affect manager Silva’s plans.

Silva added: “It will be tough. Southampton are improving and playing with more confidence.”

Everton (from): Pickford, Coleman, Zouma, Keane, Digne, Gomes, Gueye, Lookman, Sigurdsson, Bernard, Richarlison, Stekelenburg, Kenny, Mina, Baines, Davies, Tosun, Calvert-Lewin, Walcott.