An under-fire Ange Postecoglou will hope for a change in fortunes in Tottenham’s season as he takes on bottom-placed Southampton.
Russell Martin will want to find solutions to get this talented group of players performing before it is too late to revive their season. Southampton, who face Tottenham this weekend, succumbed to their 12th loss in 15 games last weekend when a Jhon Duran striker midway through the first half proved enough for Aston Villa to take all three points.
The loss left the Saints at the bottom of the table with five points, and even if they win their upcoming game against Tottenham, they will remain there irrespective of the other results. Hence, there is an element of time ticking at St. Mary’s, as Martin will want his players putting in the shift and collecting points before it’s too late to revive their campaign.
A win or draw against Tottenham will go a long way in reviving some level of confidence in the players. A good result on Sunday will set them up nicely ahead of the crunch festive period as well as their next game, which is a cup tie against Liverpool.
There is an argument to be had about Ange Postecoglou and how he has his Tottenham side performing, and whether this is his worst period as the club’s manager. That aside, the focus will be on the upcoming game against bottom-placed Southampton, as fans might see this as an opportunity of sorts to build some much-needed momentum.
Last weekend, Spurs gave up a two-goal lead to allow Chelsea to capitalise and take three points at home. That was a bitter loss, considering the context of the game and how Tottenham came out of the blocks early to score twice. Moreover, that loss allowed the Blues to climb up to second on the table, which will not be seen as a good thing by fans.
Spurs then suffered further problems as they put in an abject performance in the Europa League away from home to Rangers, with the game ending in a 1-1 draw. In the aftermath, Postecoglou caught flak due to his criticism of players, particularly Timo Werner. However, the Southampton clash will be seen as an opportunity to start winning again, albeit this game being away from home.
Team News & Tactics
Southampton
The Saints still have to contend without key players as goalkeepers Gavin Bazunu and Aaron Ramsdale are still out, although the latter may still have a chance to make it to the lineup against Spurs.
Ross Stewart, Will Smallbone and Juan Larios are still missing from action, while Jack Stephens will serve the third of his three-match ban against Spurs. On the positive side, attacker Paul Onuachu, Adam Lallana and Jan Bednarek are all fit to start and will come in probably barring Lallana.
Nathan Wood might continue to retain a place in that backline alongside Bednarek and Taylor Harwood-Bellis. Flynn Downes and Matheus Fernandes are the best bet to start in that Southampton midfield, while exciting attacker Tyler Dibling will be in the attacking setup, with Paul Onuachu and Adam Armstrong the other attackers in that front three.
Probable Lineup (3-4-3): Lumley; Harwood-Bellis, Wood, Bednarek; Walker-Peters, Downes, Fernandes, Manning; Dibling, Onuachu, Armstrong
Tottenham Hotspur
There is no hiding for some of the Spurs players following a disappointing run of results, which will see some senior professionals face up to the challenge. Pedro Porro has been one of those, alongside full-back partner Destiny Udogie.
One Tottenham player who will miss the Southampton clash with suspension is Yves Bissouma, whose yellow card against Chelsea will see him miss this one. Pape Matar Sarr should be taking over the duties in the holding midfield role, with Dejan Kulusevski and James Maddison operating on either side.
Dominic Solanke will lead the line, as Brennan Johnson and Son Heung-min provide support on either side of the front three. Timo Werner, who was singled out for criticism by Postecoglou in midweek, will take his place on the bench, and given the shortage of personnel in the squad right now, he will get some minutes in the second half and a chance to prove a point to the manager.
Probable Lineup (4-3-3): Forster; Porro, Gray, Dragusin, Udugie; Kulusevski, Sarr, Maddison; Johnson, Solanke, Son
Key Stats
- Southampton have lost 17 of their last 21 matches in the Premier League.
- Southampton have lost once in their last six home meetings against Tottenham.
- Tottenham have scored at least two goals in six of their last seven matches against Southampton in all competitions.
- Tottenham are winless in their last five games across all competitions.
- Son Heung-min has scored ten Premier League goals against Southampton, his highest tally versus any opponent in the division.
Player to Watch
Timo Werner
There is no doubt that a player of Werner’s quality needs to step up in a team that is balanced with the right amount of young and senior pros. His performances have been abject, barring a few moments of brightness this season, as Tottenham’s decision to re-sign him on loan again looks extremely silly to many.
However, Postecoglou’s open criticism of the player in midweek felt like he was singled out, but this could also be taken in the context of the manager wanting more out of the player. The Australian also cited the lack of options in the side, that could see Werner come off the bench to play some minutes, and that represents a chance to prove a point to his manager on the pitch.
Prediction
Southampton 1-3 Tottenham Hotspur
Southamton’s miseries could continue for another weekend running as there might be no points incoming in their fight to survive relegation. That said, they might find it extremely difficult to break down even this Tottenham side, who are out of sorts at the current moment.
Ange Postecoglou would want to see a bit of fire in his players, and this fixture against the Bottom-placed side could not have come at a better time. Spurs are thoroughly expected to take a big win back to north London and build some momentum ahead of a crunch period ahead.