Prediction: Southampton vs Tottenham

Prediction: Tottenham win

Best Odds: 11/10

Bookmaker: bet365

It’s time to put the busy Christmas period behind us and instead look ahead to 2020. The Premier League hasn’t been slowing down across the last few weeks and certainly won’t be doing so in January, with everything from fixtures to the transfer window to deal with. Today, we’re going to be taking a look at the game between Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur in what many will dub the Pochettino derby – despite the fact that he won’t actually be involved in the game this time around.

Southampton

The Saints are starting to fight back against the idea that they are one of the favourites for the drop by fighting back against just about every team in the league. If they do go down they’ll go down with a fight, but it’ll still be really interesting to see whether or not they try and make any changes in January. If they can bring in a few bright sparks, maybe even just from the Championship, it could be the difference maker in a relegation scrap that is as tight as ever.

Team News

Valery and Long have both been ruled out with Boufal, Armstrong and Romeu all being options in the middle of the park for the hosts. Obafemi is expected to get his chance in the starting XI.

Tottenham

The inconsistent nature of Tottenham’s season up to this point, both under Pochettino and Mourinho, has left many wondering what exactly has gone wrong across the last few months dating back to their appearance in the Champions League final. They’ll almost certainly make their way back towards the top of the table in due course, but if they continue to stumble, questions will be asked of Jose despite the fact that he’s only just made his way back into the managerial mix.

Team News

Son will continue his suspension whereas Lloris, Rose and Davies are all out through injury. Ndombele’s fitness is also a concern, meaning he may not feature despite his strong showing against Norwich.

Factors to Consider

• In their last meeting back in September, Tottenham beat Southampton 2-1.
• Southampton have won three, drawn one and lost two of their last six games.
• Tottenham have won three, drawn one and lost two of their last six games.
• Southampton have scored nine goals and conceded six in their last six games.
• Tottenham have scored 12 goals and conceded nine in their last six games.

Conclusion

Southampton know that if they start well they can push Spurs back against the ropes – if only because they’ve got some serious defensive issues that need to be addressed. Tottenham’s attitude of we’ll score one more than you seems to be working more often than not, and we think it’ll work here. The Saints just don’t possess the sort of quality that their opponents do and while a surprise could be on the cards, we’re backing Harry Kane to lead his side towards what will be a vital three points.

Prediction: Tottenham win

Best Odds: 11/10

Bookmaker: bet365