Prediction: Tottenham vs Southampton

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: bet365


Spurs will have to recover quickly from missing out on the Premier League title if they want to finish as runners up, with in-form Southampton arriving at White Hart Lane this weekend. The Saints leapfrogged Liverpool thanks to an impressive triumph over Manchester City, and they will now attempt to claim another major scalp.

Tottenham

The mere fact that Spurs are likely to be very disappointed to have missed out on the Premier League trophy speaks volumes about the progress Mauricio Pochettino’s side have made this season. Before the league campaign started, many doubted even their top 4 credentials, and yet Tottenham have been impressive throughout, albeit ultimately failing to keep up with surprise package Leicester City. Spurs came really close to keeping their title hopes alive as they were two goals up in the local derby against Chelsea, but eventually had to settle for a 2-2 draw after the Blues produced a great comeback. And while Tottenham don’t have much to play for now that the Foxes cannot be caught, they will want to cement the second place in the standings and ensure they finish above local rivals Arsenal. Nevertheless, it will not be easy for Mauricio Pochettino’s men to recover from the setback at Stamford Bridge, especially with their next opponents in excellent form at the moment. On top of that, the hosts will be without two important midfielders on Sunday afternoon.

Team News

Moussa Dembele has been slapped with a three-match ban that could be extended as he was charged with violent conduct.

Meanwhile, Dele Alli serves the second match of his three-game suspension, while Nabil Bentaleb remains on the sidelines.



Southampton

Having finished the previous two campaigns in eighth and seventh respectively, the Saints have already secured third successive top 8 finish, but they now hope to go one step further and finish the season in top 6. Southampton currently sit two and three points behind West Ham and Man City, both of whom have a game in hand, but Ronald Koeman’s side are in best form among the three sides. They have seriously raised their performances during the business end of the season, winning five of last seven league fixtures and only losing to new champions Leicester. Having defeated Liverpool and Manchester City at St Mary’s, the Saints will fancy their chances of surprising under-strength Tottenham as well, with four wins in last eight away matches giving Southampton reason for optimism ahead of the trip to North London. Seeing as how they have nothing to lose, but could gain a lot with a win, the Saints can be trusted to adopt a positive approach, which should result in a highly entertaining affair at the Lane.

Team News

The latest reports suggest there have been no fresh selection worries for Southampton manager Ronald Koeman, who will have fully fit squad to choose from.

It remains to be seen whether Graziano Pelle will be recalled to the match day squad after he was dropped for failing to apply himself in training.

Key Factors to Consider

• Both teams scored in four of Spurs’ last six home games
• Both teams scored in each of Southampton’s last four fixtures
• A total of 17 goals were scored in last five meetings between Spurs and Saints
• Tottenham won six of their last seven meetings (D1)
• Southampton won four of last eight away games

Conclusion

Tottenham will want to make amends for the 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge and at the same time secure the second place in the standings. In-form Southampton, on the other hand, head into the clash buoyed by the 4-2 triumph over Man City, and both teams to score bet needs to be considered.

Verdict: Both teams to score

Best Odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: bet365