Spurs rightful favourites v Saints
Tottenham Hotspur host Southampton on Wednesday evening in hunting down the Champions League places.
Spurs have looked a completely different side since Antonio Conte entered the fray and with Rodrigo Bentancur and Dejan Kulusevski arriving on Deadline Day they are bound to fancy their chances of getting the better of the Saints.
The North Londoners are two points behind fourth placed Manchester United having played two games fewer, and with Harry Kane slowly gathering some momentum they will be confident of breaking into the top four in the coming months.
James Ward-Prowse’s free kicks have probably been the most eye-catching part of Southampton’s season so far, but it must be stressed what an excellent job Ralph Hasenhuttl is doing to have them clear of relegation this term.
Process
Spurs have significantly underperformed in the attacking third this season.
Conte’s men have scored just 26 goals from 34.7 expected goals (xG), which points towards why they are not already in the top four.
Spurs comfortably beat Brighton and Hove Albion in the FA Cup and will have built some confidence in that fixture to carry on their positive momentum in the league.
Saints sit 13th on expected points and 12th in the table, given the quality, or lack of, in their squad it is very impressive to have a ten point cushion on the relegation zone at this stage.
Spurs will be identifying this match as must win to give themselves the best chance of finishing in the top four while the likes of Manchester United are struggling.
The attacking quality is too great with the Red Devils and Arsenal for that matter, for them to fall away completely and to allow Spurs to walk through to fourth spot although they do look very well placed to do so.
Goals?
Certainly a potential angle here with Saints so porous at the back but always likely to get on the scoresheet.
Spurs have scored in seven of ten.
Spurs have conceded in eight of ten.
Spurs have seen both teams score in five of ten.
Spurs have seen over 2.5 goals in five of ten.
Saints have scored in nine of ten.
Saints have conceded in all of their last 13.
Saints have seen both teams score in nine of ten.
Saints have seen over 2.5 goals in six of ten.
Spurs should have too much for Southampton, with the new additions creating a new sense of optimism around the club.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
We were looking good before a late turnaround saw the Saints snatch a 3-2 win.