Southampton vs Tottenham Preview

• Spurs to win
• Over 2.5 goals

Southampton and Tottenham Hotspur meet at St Mary’s Stadium on Sunday in a match that highlights the contrasting fortunes of two struggling sides.

For the Saints, the threat of relegation looms large, while Spurs aim to revive their faltering campaign and stay in contention for European football.

Southampton: A Season of Desperation

Southampton find themselves in dire straits, sitting at the bottom of the Premier League table with just five points from their first 15 matches.

This dismal tally makes them only the fourth team in Premier League history to achieve such a low total at this stage of the season. With a league-low 11 goals scored and 31 conceded, the Saints are outclassed at both ends of the pitch.

At home, however, Southampton have shown glimpses of resilience, scoring in five consecutive league matches at St Mary’s (W1, D1, L3).

They also boast an intriguing record against Spurs, having netted in each of their last 15 top-flight meetings. Extending that streak may be crucial if they are to end their winless run at St Mary’s against Tottenham, which dates back to January 2020.

Key Player: Ben Brereton Díaz

Still searching for his first goal in a Southampton shirt, Brereton Díaz is on the verge of an unwanted record. If he fails to score, he could join Oliver Burke as the second player to go winless in their first 25 Premier League matches.

Tottenham Hotspur: Inconsistent but Dangerous

Tottenham’s season has been a rollercoaster, with injuries and inconsistency plaguing their campaign. Ange Postecoglou’s side comes into this game with the club’s joint-worst points haul after 15 rounds in 16 years.

While Spurs have shown an impressive ability to score—becoming the first Premier League side this season to net 3+ goals in seven matches—their defensive lapses have been costly, most recently in a 4-3 loss to Chelsea.

History favours Spurs in this fixture, as they are unbeaten against teams starting the day bottom of the table since May 2018 (W10, D3).

However, their away form remains a concern, with only two wins on the road this season, albeit memorable ones at Manchester United (3-0) and Manchester City (4-0). Poor results at Leicester (1-1) and Crystal Palace (1-0 loss) serve as reminders of their vulnerability.

Key Player: Dejan Kulusevski

Kulusevski could reach a career milestone by making his 100th Premier League appearance on Sunday, fittingly against the team he debuted against in February 2022. The Swedish playmaker’s creativity and attacking prowess will be vital for Spurs.

Tactical Battle

Southampton will likely focus on defensive organisation and counter-attacks, with Brereton Díaz and James Ward-Prowse key to their attacking efforts.

The Saints must also address their defensive frailties, as Spurs’ potent attack can exploit any lapses.

Tottenham, meanwhile, will look to dominate possession and press high, leveraging the creativity of Kulusevski and James Maddison.

With Postecoglou’s side vulnerable defensively, Spurs may opt for an aggressive approach to outscore their opponents.

What’s at Stake

• Southampton: A win is imperative to keep their survival hopes alive. Three points would provide a much-needed morale boost and perhaps spark a turnaround in their dreadful season.
• Tottenham: Victory would steady the ship for Spurs and potentially reignite their push for European qualification. Breaking their poor away form would also be a statement of intent.

Head-to-Head Insights

• Southampton have scored in their last 15 Premier League meetings with Spurs.
• Spurs are unbeaten against teams starting the day bottom of the table since May 2018 (W10, D3).
• Southampton’s last home win against Spurs came in January 2020.

Prediction

This match pits two struggling teams against each other, but Tottenham’s attacking firepower gives them a clear edge. While Southampton may continue their scoring streak against Spurs, their defensive frailties are likely to be exposed.

Prediction: Southampton 1-3 Tottenham Hotspur

As the Saints fight to keep their season alive and Spurs look to rediscover consistency, this clash promises intensity and high stakes at St Mary’s.

Will Southampton defy the odds, or can Tottenham secure a much-needed victory? Football fans are in for a fascinating encounter.

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Southampton v Spurs, 2024/25 | Premier League