Southampton v Everton preview: Matt Le Tissier, says Nicola Cortese has ‘a bit of an ego problem’

Southampton host Everton in the Premier League tomorrow night, with new manager Mauricio Pochettino to take charge of the team for the first time since his whirlwind appointment.

Protests are expected from the home supporters and Le Tissier wondered whether Cortese felt threatened by Adkins.

Le Tissier said: “I don’t know if Nigel was becoming too popular and the chairman didn’t like it — he does appear to have a bit of an ego problem.

“It is a little bit bizarre, but some of the decisions that have been made have been a little bit bizarre since the current chairman took over. In a way it wasn’t a surprise because I think he’s been looking to get rid of him for a while now.”

Saints top scorer Rickie Lambert may return to the starting line-up for the hosts, while Everton defender Johnny Heitinga could return after a two-game absence.