Prediction and odds for the game: Southampton (23/10) v Tottenham (11/10)
We are backing the draw at 5/2.
When: Wednesday 1st January 2020, Kick-off 3 PM
Where: St Marys Stadium
The clash between Southampton and Tottenham could have big implications in both the fight for survival and the race for the Champions League spots.
Southampton
The Saints form has massively improved in recent weeks, as Ralph Hasenhuttl’s team are now three games unbeaten in the top-flight, having recorded two wins and a draw. A 1-1 home draw against Crystal Palace on boxing day ended the home sides mini two-game run. The recent good run of form moved the Saints four points clear of the relegation zone.
Southampton’s recent league games have been low-scoring, with under 2.5 goals scored in three of their last four outings in the Premier League.
One facet of the Saints game that needs improvement is their defensive record, as they have kept just one clean sheet in their last 15 matches in the English top-flight.
The home side’s recent form at St Mary’s has not been great either, as a record of just two wins in 12 home games illustrates perfectly. Defensive issues have once again been the crux of their poor home results, as the Saints have not kept a home clean sheet in 15 matches on home soil.
Tottenham
The visitors have definitely improved since the appointment of head coach Jose Mourinho. However, recent results have been slightly inconsistent. In fact, a 2-2 boxing day draw at Norwich means that Spurs have now won just once in their last three league matches, leaving them two points behind fourth-place Chelsea.
Like their opponents, Spurs have struggled to keep clean sheets in the Premier League, managing just one in their last 12 top-flight games dating back to October. However, there can be no complaints about Spurs performance at the other end of the pitch, as the team from north London have scored at least two goals in six of their last eight matches.
Star striker Harry Kane looks to be getting back close to his best, as he has now scored in his last two league matches and found the net four times in his last five league appearances.
The visitors away record has improved slightly under Mourinho. However, their recent record on the road is still a poor one, as they have won just twice in 16 Premier League games. Both of those away wins have been under Mourinho, who has helped his team to a return of seven points from a possible 12 on their travels.
Spurs recent away games in the Premier League have certainly not been short of goals, with over 2.5 goals scored in nine of their last ten away matches.
Conclusion
Southampton look to have finally turned the corner under the highly-rated Hasenhuttl. The recent decent run of form has helped to lift spirits at the south coast club. With Spurs in slightly inconsistent form, we are backing the draw at odds of 5/2.
We are also backing Southampton striker Danny Ings to be an anytime goalscorer at odds of 21/20. The former Liverpool striker has now scored 13 times in his last 15 league appearances for the Saints.
Verdict: Back the draw at odds of 5/2 and/or Danny Ings to be an anytime goalscorer at odds of 21/20. (All odds are taken from Bet365).
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Who will come out on top at St Marys?
