Prediction: Southampton vs Tottenham Hotspur

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: Olympusbet

Tottenham Hotspur, without a win in their last five matches across all competitions, will look to regain their footing when they visit Premier League bottom-dwellers Southampton on Sunday evening.

The Lilywhites were held to a 1-1 draw by Rangers in the Europa League last time out, while the Saints suffered a narrow defeat to Aston Villa in their most recent league outing.

Southampton

Southampton remain anchored to the bottom of the Premier League table following their 12th defeat in 15 games this season, a 1-0 loss to a resurgent Aston Villa side in the West Midlands last weekend.

A first-half strike from Colombia’s Jhon Duran proved decisive, leaving the Saints empty-handed and increasing the pressure on under-fire boss Russell Martin. While Martin recently described his team’s meager five-point haul as “embarrassing,” he has so far retained the support of the club’s hierarchy. However, with Southampton sitting eight points from safety after 15 matches, boasting the league’s worst attack (11 goals), and only marginally better defensive numbers than 19th-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers, his position appears precarious.

Sunday’s hosts have managed just one point from their last five league outings, though four of their five points this season have come at St Mary’s. Encouragingly for Southampton, their record against Spurs offers some solace. They have only lost one of their last six Premier League home games against Tottenham and have scored in each of their last 15 top-flight meetings with the North Londoners, their longest-ever scoring streak against a single opponent in the Premier League.

Team News

Southampton will continue to be without Jack Stephens (suspension), Aaron Ramsdale (finger), Will Smallbone (thigh), Juan Larios (unspecified), Ross Stewart (calf), and Gavin Bazunu (Achilles).

However, Russell Martin has confirmed that Adam Lallana, Paul Onuachu, and Jan Bednarek are back in contention, with the latter two likely to be reinstated into the starting XI. Onuachu is expected to replace Cameron Archer up front.

Nathan Wood delivered a solid performance in Bednarek’s absence against Villa, so James Bree might make way for the returning Pole as Martin makes minor adjustments to his defensive lineup.

Tottenham Hotspur

Things currently don’t look too good at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, with Ange Postecoglou’s position under scrutiny amid Spurs’ ongoing winless run since their stunning demolition of Manchester City.

Since that memorable triumph at the Etihad, Spurs have collected just three points from a possible 15 across the Premier League and Europa League, most recently salvaging a late draw against Rangers thanks to substitute Dejan Kulusevski.

The stalemate followed a dramatic collapse against Chelsea, where Tottenham raced into an early two-goal lead but ultimately fell to a crushing 4-3 defeat. That loss came on the heels of another league setback at Bournemouth, marking their second successive Premier League defeat.

With just one win from their last five top-flight games, the Lilywhites have dropped into the bottom half of the table. They now risk suffering 15 league defeats in a calendar year for the second straight time – a feat they last endured in 2004.

Tottenham’s away form has also been uninspiring throughout 2024, with only four wins from 16 Premier League road games (25%). However, they can take confidence from an unbeaten run of 13 top-flight matches against sides starting the weekend in 20th place.

Team News

Tottenham will be without Rodrigo Bentancur, who completes his five-match domestic suspension at St Mary’s, as well as Yves Bissouma, suspended due to yellow card accumulation following his reckless tackle on Moises Caicedo last weekend.

In total, Spurs are expected to miss nine players for Sunday’s clash. Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven remain sidelined with thigh injuries sustained against Chelsea, while Wilson Odobert (hamstring), Mikey Moore (illness), Richarlison (hamstring), Ben Davies (hamstring), and Guglielmo Vicario (ankle) are also unavailable.

Given James Maddison’s lackluster form, Ange Postecoglou might consider handing Lucas Bergvall a start over the struggling Englishman. Meanwhile, Timo Werner is likely to be replaced by Dominic Solanke after the manager criticized Werner’s disappointing display against Rangers.

Conclusion

With Spurs’ defence severely depleted and two key midfield enforcers suspended, Southampton’s impressive scoring streak against Tottenham is unlikely to be halted on Sunday. However, the Saints may be limited to just a solitary consolation goal.

The trip to St Mary’s presents a golden opportunity for Tottenham to correct their recent shortcomings. Ange Postecoglou’s side should rise to the occasion, easing the pressure on their manager while piling further scrutiny on Russell Martin, whose position could become even more precarious.

Verdict: Away win

Best odds: 4/6

Bookmaker: Olympusbet