At St. Mary’s Stadium, Tottenham take on Southampton hoping to continue their impressive winning run that has seen them bring in twelve points from a possible 15.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side return to his old stomping ground, adding further spice to what already looks like a tasty fixture to round off the post-Christmas clashes.
But how can the Argentine ensure his side overcome Southampton? Well, he must choose his team carefully this week as he may run the risk of injuries occurring to his main players after a hectic month of games.
Facing the Saints would prove no easy task usually, but it now looks even tougher given Claude Puel’s team overcame bitter rivals Bournemouth last time out and are bound to be high on confidence ahead of the visit of Spurs.
Without further ado this is the starting XI Pochettino should pick to face his former side…
GK: Hugo Lloris
In recent weeks, Lloris has had enormous pressure taken off his shoulders and he now looks to be enjoying life at the Lane once again.
Since the team has returned to winning ways, Lloris has not single-handedly kept the team in games.
Southampton will prove a difficult task for Spurs, but with Lloris between the sticks, the Lilywhites should be optimistic.
RB: Kyle Walker
A rare mistake from Walker last Sunday allowed Burnley to score their first away Premier League goal from open play this season.
Nonetheless, with the pile-up of fixtures occurring, Pochettino cannot afford to drop his right-back for this crucial clash on the south coast.
Walker will be tasked with marking Sofiane Boufal who is becoming accustomed to life in English football.
CB: Eric Dier
With Toby Alderweireld a doubt once again, Pochettino must call upon the experience and versatility of Dier to guarantee his side’s defensive solidity at St. Mary’s.
Dier rarely lets the Lilywhites down, and despite his lack of impact on the goals front this season, he continues to be pivotal for Pochettino.
The England international is also well-suited to containing the pace of Shane Long.
CB: Jan Vertonghen
Southampton have proven a test for Vertonghen down the years, and alongside Toby Alerweireld, he rarely disappoints regardless of the opposition.
But with Alderweireld expected to miss out with a back injury, the pressure on Vertonghen to succeed multiplies.
LB: Ben Davies
During the defeat of Burnley last weekend, Danny Rose picked up a knock and shouldn’t be risked with the fixtures piling up.
Welsh international Davies is a worthy replacement for Rose and is capable of containing the Saints’ fluid front three.
Starting against Southampton may provide him with a chance to edge his way into Pochettino’s plans more regularly.
CM: Victor Wanyama
For the first time since moving to London, Victor Wanyama will return to St. Mary’s in the colours of Tottenham
The Kenyan midfielder faces a difficult challenge against his former side as containing the in-form midfield of Oriel Romeu, and Jordy Clasie won’t be an easy task.
Waynama has found his goalscoring touch since moving to north London and already recorded three goals for the Lilywhites – what a time it would be to add a fourth.
CM: Mousa Dembele
Unfortunately for Tottenham, the niggling injuries that keep occurring to Dembele halt the possible progression and partnership that could be formed between the Belgian international and Wanyama.
The duo faces the unenviable task of overcoming Puel’s midfield and the winners of the contest are likely to leave the field of play on the victorious side.
RM: Christian Eriksen
Over the past few weeks, the goals Eriksen has scored have been the catalyst for Spurs’ revival.
The Danish international added much-needed inspiration for Spurs, and against the Saints, he must continue his goalscoring run.
Set-pieces may also be a source of joy for the north Londoners, so Eriksen’s delivery could be decisive.
CAM: Dele Alli
Unlike last season, Alli continues to struggle in front of goal and his influence in the XI has significantly diminished.
Continuously wasting chances in front of goal, Alli could be dropped from the side in the next couple of weeks if he continues in similar fashion.
However, he gets the nod here and will need to put in a big performance.
LM: Heung-min Son
South Korean attacker Son continues to provide a threat for this Spurs side, regardless of the opposition.
During the club’s eleven-game winless run, Son was the one attacking shining light for Pochettino.
He, however, hasn’t scored since his volley against Swansea in November, and now would be as good a time as ever to end that run.
ST: Harry Kane
Following his month-long injury at the beginning of the season, Kane has come back and is looking even stronger and fitter.
The talisman continues to add another dimension to his Spurs side, and the thought of Vincent Janssen replacing Kane must churn the stomach of Pochettino and his coaching staff.
Kane’s goals against Southampton in recent years have been crucial, and another one vs. Puel’s side this time would be ideal.
