Tottenham Hotspur will host Southampton without their star striker Harry Kane on Sunday. Kane got injured in the 6-0 thrashing of Millwall in the FA Cup. Earlier it seemed that Spurs might have to spend the rest of the season without the services of the player but scan reports have revealed that the injury is not so severe which would be a huge relief for Mauricio Pochettino. They need to win this game to maintain pressure on League-leading Chelsea who will visit Stoke City on Saturday.
The arrival of Manolo Gabbiadini on the deadline day of the winter transfer window has turned the fortunes around for the Saints. The Italian international has scored six goals in all competitions for them including a brace in the EFL Cup final which they eventually lost to Manchester United.
Also, Nathan Redmond and Dusan Tadic have been in fine form and have the quality to find loopholes in the Spurs defence. The Saints have been inconsistent this season and are currently in the 10th place. They will have the chance to rise further up as they have played two matches less than the Potters.
Harry Kane’s unavailability will pave the way for Heung-Min-Son. Pochettino has a very good record against his former club. The Argentine gaffer has won three games out of the last five games against the Saints. Also, White Hart Lane has become a fortress this season as the North London giants are yet to lose a home match this season.
Team News And Predicted Lineups
Tottenham Hotspur
Harry Kane is not available and either Heung-Min-Son or Vincent Janssen will replace him up front. Kyle Walker and Victor Wanyama are carrying minor knocks but are expected to get fit. Mousa Dembele is fit to play.
Lloris; Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Dier; Davies, Wanyama, Dembele, Walker, Eriksen, Alli; Son
Southampton
Among notable injuries, Virgil Van Dijk will be absent from this game.
Forster; Bertrand, Stephens, Yoshida, Soares; Romeu, Davis; Redmond, Tadic, Ward-Prowse; Gabbiadini
Key Players
Southampton
Dele Alli- The 20-year-old has to step up and deliver in the absence of Kane. His proficiency in the midfield would be a key to their tactics. Kane’s absence means Alli will have a more free role to roam around the park and he will combine with Son to spearhead the Spurs attack.
Southampton
Manolo Gabbiadini– Claude Puel’s strategy will be to feed the 25-year-old with more and more balls. The Italian has been an instant success in England and a lot of responsibility is riding on his shoulder.
Odds
Tottenham Hotspur- 7/10
Draw- 29/10
Southampton- 9/2
