Prediction: Southampton vs Tottenham

Verdict: Tottenham win & over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 8/5

Bookmaker: Unibet

Hoping to continue on what has been a real December purple patch, Tottenham will make the trip to St. Mary’s on Tuesday afternoon when they face off against Southampton.

Southampton

Starting with the hosts, putting in what was a hugely impressive display on Boxing Day, there is no doubt that Southampton will be desperate to pick up another London scalp here. Landing an action-packed 3-2 win away at Champions League hopefuls West Ham, the Saints have also skyrocketed their way away from the bottom-three. Making their return to St. Mary’s on Tuesday afternoon now holding a commanding nine-oint buffer over the drop zone, Ralph Hasenhüttl’s men should now be looking up the table. Bringing an end to their six-match Premier League winless run away at the Hammers on Sunday, the one-time RB Leipzig boss has also seen his side gain a reputation for their rugged displays on home soil. In fact, along with enjoying a five-match unbeaten run on the south coast, it should also be noted that the midweek hosts have suffered just a single defeat at St. Mary’s since opening the 2021/22 campaign.

Team News

After returning positive COVID-19 tests over the weekend, the trio of Jack Stephens, Nathan Tella and Lyanco will once again miss out here.

All making their returns from injury on Boxing Day, the likes of Ibrahima Diallo, Adam Armstrong and Che Adams will be hoping for a start on Tuesday afternoon.

Tottenham

As for the visitors, breezing past London rivals Crystal Palace on Boxing Day, the mood in Tottenham’s camp should be at a red-hot high. Finding an immediate boost since bringing in Antonio Conte last month, Spurs now have their sights firmly set on clinching a Champions League return this season. Landing a 3-0 win against the Eagles only a couple of days ago, the one-time Chelsea boss is yet to see his new squad taste a single domestic defeat since joining. Managing to book their spot in the semi-finals of this year’s EFL Cup after picking up a 2-1 win against West Ham last week, Conte will be calling on his side to lay down another marker here. With attacking talisman Harry Kane now finding the net in back-to-back outings, Spurs should also be boosted by their recent success against Tuesday’s hosts. Including a 5-2 win in their last trip to St. Mary’s, Tottenham have won each of their last three meetings against the Saints.

Team News

Tottenham have no fresh injuries or suspensions to worry about ahead of Tuesday’s trip to St. Mary’s.

With Conte expected to freshen up his XI here, the likes of Dele Alli and Tanguy Ndombele will be hoping for a recall.

Key Factors to Consider

• Including a 5-2 win in their last trip to St. Mary’s, Tottenham have won each of their last three meetings against Southampton.
• Spurs are yet to taste a single domestic defeat since Antonio Conte took charge last month.
• Southampton’s 3-2 win against West Ham on Boxing Day was their first win from their last seven Premier League contests.
• However, Tuesday’s hosts have lost just a single home fixture since opening the 2021/22 campaign.
• 14 of the last 15 meetings between Southampton and Tottenham have finished with over 1.5 goals.

Conclusion

While Southampton might have landed an action-packed 3-2 win away at West Ham on Boxing Day, the midweek hosts should face a stern test here. Despite their continued success at St. Mary’s so far this season, a high-flying Tottenham will be looking to lay down another marker on what has become a December purple patch. Breezing their way to a 3-0 romp against Crystal Palace just 48 hours ago, Spurs have found a stellar resurge under Conte. Booking their spot in the semi-final of this year’s EFL Cup after coming past the Hammers last week, they should also be boosted by an eye-catching record against Southampton. Winning each of their last three meetings against Tuesday’s hosts, we’re backing a similar outcome for Conte’s high-flyers here.

Verdict: Tottenham win & over 1.5 goals

Best Odds: 8/5

Bookmaker: Unibet