Tottenham to get back to winning ways
Fabrizio Andrea Bertani / Shutterstock.com
Southampton have sacked manager Mark Hughes less than one year after appointing him to the position. Former RB Leipzig manager Ralph Hasenhuttl has agreed to take over the Saints and his experience of coaching young talent should improve Southampton over the long-term. Hasenhuttl’s hiring could have ramifications in terms of the club’s recruitment and Southampton could be revitilised due to the appointment.
However, Hasenhuttl hasn’t been officially unveiled as Southampton manager yet. Therefore, he won’t be in the Saints’ dugout when the team plays Tottenham on Wednesday. Interim manager Kelvin Davis will oversee Southampton against Spurs.
That is the background as the league’s 18th place team head to London to take on Mauricio Pochettino’s team. Spurs are coming off of a 4-2 loss in the North London Derby on Sunday. The derby defeat was Tottenham’s first loss in four matches. Tottenham sit fifth which has them eight points behind league leaders Manchester City. While a fight for the title is unlikely, Spurs are just outside of the top four courtesy of goal difference.
Tottenham have dominated the last six matches against Southampton. Spurs have won four of six matches with Southampton winning just once. Their most recent meeting ended in a 1-1 draw at St. Mary’s, but Tottenham have won their last two games against Southampton at home. Those two fixtures in London have seen over 2.5 goals score in each game. Meanwhile, the teams’ last six meetings have all seen at least two goals scored in each match.
It is a busy week in the Premier League and Pochettino may be forced to rotate his players. Spurs had the high-intensity derby on Sunday and meet Leicester at the weekend before playing Barcelona in the Champions League. It is a make or break two weeks for Spurs that could dictate the team’s final success come May.
Davis doesn’t expect to have a full squad at his disposal for Southampton’s trip to Wembley. Midfielder Mario Lemina is suspended. His absence will leave a hole in Southampton’s midfield. Lemina isn’t the only big omission from Southampton’s squad. Exciting striker Michael Obafemi isn’t expected to play. Striker and leading scorer Danny Ings and full-back Ryan Bertrand aren’t likely to make the trip to London either.
Tottenham are the bookies’ favourite for the fixture. Southampton are currently in disarray thanks to injuries, suspensions, and Hughes’ sacking. The team is in a waiting period for Hasenhuttl to take over. Tottenham will be without Jan Vertonghen after he picked up a red card against Arsenal. Despite his absence, Spurs will have little trouble against Southampton. The Saints have scored the fourth fewest goals (12) while giving up the fourth most. Tottenham will win on Wednesday night and continue their fight for a top four place.
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