Tottenham Hotspur will resume their Premier League campaign again this week as manager Mauricio Pochettino tries finding out how ready his men are in the absence of their leader and leading goal scorer Harry Kane. The 23-year-old has had a tremendous impact on Spurs’ home form of late and at this crucial stage of the season, keeping up that phenomenal momentum would be as important as it will be difficult for the Lilywhites.
Spurs host Southampton next, whose rollercoaster season is currently on the high, since the heroic defeat against Manchester United in the EFL Cup final. The Saints have won two back to back away games and will be backing themselves against Spurs, who will be equally confident on home soil.
Tottenham’s record against Southampton suggests that the Argentine manager will have it pretty easy against his former team. He has lost just once in his last five meetings with Southampton with the Saints managing to keep just one clean sheet in their last 25 away games against Spurs.
Although Spurs are 10 points behind league leaders Chelsea, they would like to go into the break in the strongest position possible in the league table.
Strongest Tottenham Hotspur XI vs Southampton
Defence
Hugo Lloris will start under the bar once again after being rested in their FA cup win over Millwall last weekend. The French international has been one of their best performers this season conceding just 19 goals in 24 league appearances and one of the main reasons why Spurs have conceded just 20 goals this season.
The back line is expected to consist of a three-man defence again, which has worked quite well of late for them. The back three should be Jan Vertonghen, Toby Alderweireld and Eric Dier. Ben Davies should start as the left-wing back with Danny Rose still out with an injury. Kyle Walker will start on the other flank. Kieran Trippier started the last game with Walker on the bench and he should be absolutely fresh to start this one.
Midfielders
The two central midfielders are expected to be Victor Wanyama and Mousa Dembele. Dembele was rested in the last game with Harry Winks taking one of the pivot positions. The central attacking pair, which has been Spurs’ main edge this season, will be Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen. There are 18 goals and 14 assists between the duo so far.
Kane is not expected to return before late April and Son should take his place, who has been prolific lately.
