Tottenham v Southampton: Premier League Monday preview

As Sunday turns into Monday Ange Postecoglou's Tottenham play host to a Southampton side who have endured a torrid time on their return to the Premier League.

A 1-0 midweek derby defeat at Chelsea left Spurs still down in 14th place on the ladder and without a win in their last four league games.

Saints, meanwhile, are bottom of the pile after collecting a mere 10 points from 30 games played, having ended a run of five straight defeats with a 1-1 midweek draw at home to Crystal Palace.

When these two sides met at St Mary's the just before Christmas Spurs romped to a 5-0 win and they will expect to pick up all three points again at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Tottenham v Southampton betting preview

Postecoglou pulling no punches

Postecoglou came under renewed scrutiny following the midweek reverse at Stamford Bridge, but the Aussie remains defiant about his position, telling the English media: "I'm a fighter, so the bigger the fight the more I enjoy that challenge."

Spurs are still in the UEFA Europa League, so silverware remains a possibility, but Postecoglou will definitely want to see more positive results in his team's last eight league games of the season.

A lengthy injury list which has been an issue for much of the campaign has eased in recent weeks, but results have not improved, with the Lilywhites' last league win coming on February 22nd when they triumphed 4-1 at Ipswich Town.

Pedro Porro and Ben Davies could return in defence for the visit of Saints, while Brennan Johnson and Mathys Tel will hope to be handed starts, with Postecoglou confirming that he will make changes "but won't make too many".

Micky Van de Ven limped off late on against Chelsea with cramp and may miss out on a starting spot, while Dejan Kulusevski remains sidelined by a foot injury and Kevin Danso and Richarlison are unlikely to feature.

Postecoglou will certainly want to see more from his misfiring strikers, with Dominic Solanke having gone eight games without a goal and Son Heung-min having netted just once in his last 13 appearances for Spurs.

Saints' fate could be sealed in the capital

Southampton have won just twice since their return to the EPL and they will be relegated at the TH Stadium if they lose and Wolves have beaten Ipswich Town a day earlier.

That would put the seal on a truly dismal season and their confidence will have taken a further hit in midweek when a last-gasp equaliser denied them of a win at home to Palace.

Their fortunes have not changed since they parted company with Russell Martin and brought in Ivan Juric as their new manager just before Christmas and pride is all they have to play for now.

Midfielder Flynn Downes definitely misses out due to suspension, having collected 10 bookings from 21 league appearances, while Paul Onuachu is a doubt due to an ankle injury and Will Smallbone (groin) is set to sit out.

However, Lesley Ugochukwu and Ryan Manning are fit and ready to feature, while Ross Stewart and Juan Larios face late fitness tests.

Juric is planning for a change of tactics for the visit to Spurs and feels the possible absence of striker Onuachu may not hinder his gameplan too much.

He told reporters: "They play a high line (in defence) and you have to attack space. Maybe it's better to attack the space with other players."

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Tottenham v Southampton odds

Tottenham - 1.38
Draw - 5.50
Southampton - 6.50

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.