Tottenham Hotspur will make a trip to St. Marys’ to face a Southampton side who have lost just once in their last six games. The Saints are on the back of a 3-1 win against Bournemouth, a team which has been impressive this season. And the dominant nature of the display speaks volumes about the manner in which Claude Puel has settled in his new surrounding and the way his boys are responding to his methods.
It will be a testing trip for Mauricio Pochettino and his boys who have also been in good from this season. They started off slowly but seem to have found their rhythm. Currently in the 5th spot, with four points separating them from Arsenal, Pochettino will look for a victory to put the pressure on the Gunners.
Let us take a look at 3 key battles which will shape the outcome of the match.
HARRY KANE VS VIRGIL VAN DIJK
The two stars of the Premier League will face off against each other on Wednesday night. Kane is considered as one of the top 3 strikers in the League while the Southampton defender has quickly risen the ranks and is being supposedly courted by some of the biggest clubs in England. It will be an interesting battle and whoever comes out on top, his stock will be boosted considerably in the aftermath of the game.
Van Dijk will be keen to put aside the transfer chatter and will like to showcase his professionalism by not letting it all affect his game.
JAY RODRIGUEZ VS TOBY ALDERWEIRELD
Rodriguez’s Southampton career as a whole has been littered with speed bumps in the form of injuries and the Englishman will be hoping that his worst injury days are behind him. Boasting of immense potential, he has the attributes to make it to the top with his dribbling skills and pace and his finishing prowess setting him apart from the rest on his better days.
Fresh from a brace against Bournemouth, he will like to continue the form against Spurs. Alderweireld has been playing centrally in a 3-man defence and the pair will come into direct clashes and the Belgian will have to nullify the striker’s threat to keep Southampton off the scoresheet.
ORIOL ROMEU VS MOUSA DEMBELE
Dembele has again showcased his worth to this Spurs team with his poise and control from the midfield area. His nonchalant surges forward with an unerring control on the ball makes him a tricky opposition to deal with.
The man in front of the back four has to track his runs and not allow the Belgian to have a go at the defenders. Romeu is likely to come back into the side for this one and he will straightaway be tasked with one of the more difficult jobs on the night.
