Southampton FC vs Tottenham Hotspur FC, Premier League 2022-2023, Today Match Prediction

Southampton FC vs Tottenham Hotspur FC Match Prediction & Analysis

Just as Southampton seemed to have turned a corner one week, they are back in the depths of despair the next. 

Things appear to have turned a corner under Ruben Selles, with positive results against Leicester and Manchester United, but a midweek defeat to Brentford sent them crashing back down.

Now at the foot of the table once more, it really is anyone’s guess as to whether they can survive this season. One thing is for sure – they are running out of time to mount a charge up the table.

Tottenham, on the other hand, appear to have found form at the right now. Antonio Conte’s future remains up in the air but his team have put a series of wins together that have taken them within reaching distance of 3rd.

They will leapfrog Manchester United, albeit temporarily, with a win here, although they will have played two games more than their top three rivals.

TEAMS PREVIEW

Southampton FC Preview

Reasons to be cheerful:

     Ward-Prowse usually enjoys playing against Tottenham 

     May have success if Spurs are off their game

Reasons to be fearful:

     Won just two games at home this season – the league’s worst record

     Haven’t scored more than a single goal in a game for eight matches

Having gone to Old Trafford and claimed a credible point against Manchester United last weekend, you would have expected confidence to be high going into a home game against Brentford in midweek.

That was no match for the organisation and effectiveness of Thomas Frank’s men, however, and they were quickly and comfortably beaten 2-0. 

With the teams near the bottom packed so tightly, one win would possibly be enough to lift them outside of the relegation places. However, wins are hard to come by – just two, in fact, at St. Mary’s this season.

They’ve also played a game more than their rivals at the bottom, another negative against them.

Their history against Spurs isn’t great, having won just two of their last 10 home league games against them. 

Star Man – James Ward-Prowse

Statistically, Ward-Prowse enjoys playing against Spurs more than any other opponent, with four goals and four assists – he netted against them in their earlier meeting this season.

Tottenham Hotspur FC Preview

Reasons to be cheerful

     Three wins from last four shows recent improvement

     Won five of their last 10 away meetings with Saints

Reasons to be fearful

     Are still inconsistent at times with two defeats from their last six

     Haven’t won any of their last four away games

Tottenham are staking their top four claim well right now, with three wins from their last four pushing them back in contention above the likes of Newcastle and Liverpool.

They may even catch United in 3rd – and will overtake them if they win here – although Erik ten Hag’s men will have two games in hand.

Tottenham’s main issue currently is their poor form away from home, which has seen them claim victory in none of the last four. Facing a battling Southampton here, they’ll need to up their game.

Their form against the Saints is strong, of course, and they are favourites here.

Star Man – Harry Kane

Speculation continues to circle Kane regarding his future at Spurs but he keeps delivering for them in important moments. He now has 22 goals this season, more than double anyone else at the club.