Tottenham – N’Jie, Mason, Pritchard
It is fairly probable that the Southampton hierarchy will not be
penning a Christmas card to their Tottenham counterparts this festive season.
Relations have soured since Southampton returned to the Premier League as
Daniel Levy has glared enviably towards accomplished performers plying their
trade on the South Coast. While Morgan Schneiderlin and Victor Wanyama were
persuaded to remain at the club (until it was deemed the right time for the
former to depart) – others have slipped away up the M4 and beyond to White Hart
Lane.
Mauricio Pochettino and Toby Alderweireld had left gaping cavities
at St Mary's, however these were plugged impressively by Les Reed and co. The
Argentinian boss was regarded as an exciting, fresh manager who had propelled
Saints forward with high pressing and a tempo that would see opposition teams
aggressively harried. Yet Plan B was never in evidence at St Mary's. When
Saints came up against the cream of the crop, and were clearly struggling to
complete – the man from Murphy would not alter that style. Whether this was
fuelled by vanity, pride or an enviable sentiment of trust in his young charges
– nobody knows. Yet Ronald Koeman has no such issue which was clearly displayed
when his side suffered adversity during an awkward spell last season. The Dutchman
switched to a fluid 5-3-2 after a barren run, and his young team put an experienced
Everton to the sword at St Mary’s nearly a year ago to the day.
Meanwhile, the Belgian centre-back is a composed and
sophisticated defender who you rarely notice in a game – simply because the
former Ajax captain rarely makes an error, and he keeps his game
uncomplicated. Yet Virgil van Dijk has been a standout figure in a Saints
side that has struggled for the majority of this campaign. The Dutchman has
been composed in defence, while he has also influenced games by striding into
the opposition half to pull defensive players out of position.
The game is a flare merely waiting to be lit. That may benefit
the hosts who must lift themselves once more as they seek their first win since
early November. A changed side challenged Crystal Palace last weekend, but
lacked that vital panache to find a point – exemplified by Shane Long's
ambivalent late drive that thudded off Wayne Hennessey's ankle. The main
positive emanated from Paulo Gazzaniga's display in goal. The Argentinian
goalkeeper pulled off some superb stops to maintain his side's one-goal losing
margin. That apparent newfound confidence will need to undulate through his
defence on Saturday as he will deputise for the injured Maarten Stekelenburg
again.
It is possible he will be forced into action even more frequently
than he was at Selhurst Park. Bar last weekend's stodgy second half against
Newcastle that resulted in only their second league defeat of the season, Spurs
have competed well, and still harbour hopes of a top four finish. Yet doubts
over Saturday’s visitors linger. The strength of their spine is not matched by
the full-backs and wingers leaving an impression that Spurs are not quite the
completed article. Saints will aim to expose that on Saturday in the first half
of a North London double header at St Mary’s either side of Christmas.
Key Battles
Fonte v Kane: The Saints captain has
been solid if not spectacular, as he has been unable to replicate his excellent
form from last season. It is his leadership that should be focused on this
Saturday though, as he looks to rally his team-mates who will inevitably be
somewhat nervous this weekend. The Portuguese has acted in exemplary fashion in
his role as a leader ever since his arrival almost five years ago, therefore
this should not be too challenging.
However, the centre-back will also have to restrain the prince
of White Hart Lane – Harry Kane. The striker has re-developed his Midas touch,
and is unpredictable as he can pull into the No 10 role or push further
forward. Fonte will also have to be wary if Son Heung-min is on the pitch at
any point. Even if fulfilling the role of an offensive midfielder, the South
Korean still has the instincts of a striker, and will most likely cut in from
the left towards Fonte in an attempt to forge a route to goal.
Mané v Verthongen/Rose: The Senegalese has drifted
out of games recently as his side has slid gradually into the bottom half of
the Premier League. The attacker has been touted as “one to buy” for the big boys,
yet he has obviously found it challenging to stamp his mark in matches. Even
against Palace when playing centrally where he has the ability to wreak havoc,
he continually toiled. Playing off the returning Graziano Pellè may leave him
more room, whether playing on the right wing or just alongside the Italian. Jan
Verthongen and Danny Rose will have to be sure that the gap between centre-back
and left-back is sensibly compact, yet if the Senegalese is playing in behind
Pellè, the attacker could roam free to boost the Saints attack.
Probable Line-ups
Southampton: Gazzaniga – Soares, Van
Dijk, Fonte (C), Yoshida, Bertrand – Wanyama, Romeu, S. Davis – Mané, Pellè
K. Davis, Clasie, Long, Tadić, Ward-Prowse, Juanmi, Caulker
Tottenham: Lloris (C) – Walker,
Alderweireld, Verthongen, Rose – Dier, Dembélé – Lamela, Alli, Eriksen – Kane
Vorm, Bentaleb, Son,
Trippier, Chadli, Carroll, Davies
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