Unlike their brilliant home form, where they have collected all possible 12 points from their last four games, Tottenham Hotspur have seriously struggled to replicate it when on the road. They visit Southampton next and the fact that they have collected only 3 points from their away fixtures since their last win against Middlesbrough in September, will surely be at the back of their head.
Arsenal’s latest failure at Manchester City has brought Spurs dangerously close to their fierce rivals and a further slip up by Gunners might finally gain the Lilywhites an entry to the top four.
However, the task at hand for Spurs doesn’t look easy at all. It was Southampton, who last beat Spurs at White Hart Lane and something says that the Saints have often held an upper hand over Spurs.
Team News
Southampton
Southampton will continue to miss Clasie, Targett, Austin and Pied from the squad, while McCarthy remains a big doubt for the game with a hamstring injury. However, Puel is quite acquainted with squad rotation and shouldn’t have major problems fielding a strong eleven.
Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs will be missing Eric Lamela for sure, who is not expected to return before 1st January. Pochettino might miss Tony Alderweireld against Southampton and Eric Dier is expected to start in that position again. Victor Janssen also remains a doubt.
Predicted Lineups
Southampton- Forster, Martine, Fonte, Van Dijk, Bertrand, Romeu, Ward-Prowse, Boufal, Davis, Long, Redmond
Tottenham Hotspur- Lloris, Walker, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Rose, Wanyama, Dembele, Sissoko, Alli, Eriksen, Kane
Related Reading: Why It Would Be Madness If Tottenham Hotspur Allows This Transfer To Happen
Key Players
Southampton
After a slow start to the season, Boufal has now become a crucial player in Puel’s plans. His footballing technique and meticulous close ball control have made him a fan favourite at St. Mary’s and from the right flank, he could do some real damage to an away struggling Spurs side. Jay Rodriguez is another threat to Pochettino’s goal. The Spaniard comes into fresh from a convincing brace against Bournemouth and he will be brimming with confidence and excited to increase his tally.
Virgil van Dijk could be another major block to Tottenham. At a time when Harry Kane has little to no impact, van Dijk could completely shut out the under confident striker making Spurs absolutely toothless.
Tottenham Hotspur- Christian Eriksen has been nothing short of amazing in the last few matches and he could unlock Saints’ defence from the acutest of angles. Pochettino will expect him to break the deadlock as early as possible in the first half.
Dele Alli seems to have finally got back into the groove after his goal last game. Injuries have been a stumbling block to his campaign so far and Alli could look to leave that behind now.
Odds
Southampton to win- 39/20
Draw- 23/10
Tottenham to win- 8/5
