Southampton vs. Tottenham: Team News, Predicted Lineups, Live Stream, TV Info

Southampton and Tottenham were the first of the Champions League chasers to drop off the pace this season, but the future bodes well for both. 

This fixture could have far greater significance next season, but for now it is mostly about securing Europa League football. 

Southampton have lost their last two games, but this match is at St Mary's, where their record is formidable. Tottenham are one of the best-performing teams away from home in the Premier League, but they'll need to be at their best to see off the Saints. 

The reverse fixture was marked by some bitterness from the travelling Saints fans at their former boss Mauricio Pochettino for moving to White Hart Lane in the summer, but the fantastic debut season under Ronald Koeman has likely soothed their emotional wounds. 

Form Lines 

These two sides have been neck-and-neck this season, and there is nothing to split them in their recent form. Sitting ninth and 10th in the Premier League form table, both clubs have collected 10 points from the last 18 available. 

 

Predicted Formations 

The likely return of Hugo Lloris is a big boost for Spurs ahead of this clash, but the absence of full-backs Kyle Walker (confirmed) and Danny Rose (suspected) leaves some open questions. Vlad Chiriches will probably come in at right-back, but Pochettino could also hand a first Premier League start to DeAndre Yedlin if he feels the American is up to it. 

For Saints, Toby Alderweireld could miss out. Given the strength of Spurs' rumoured interest in Alderweireld ahead of the transfer window, his absence removes an interesting subplot. 

 

Players to Watch 

Several of Spurs' players are playing for their futures at Tottenham. Paulinho was among them but gave a man of the match display, according to Sky, in their 3-1 win over Newcastle last week. He was surprisingly competent with and without the ball, and all eyes will be on him to see whether he can repeat the feat against Southampton's far more impressive midfield. 

Southampton's midfield is their strongest point, and Morgan Schneiderlin is perhaps their most important player. Linked with Spurs last summer and now with Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester United, Schneiderlin could be in his final months at Saints. His combination of vision, skill and athleticism make him an ideal deep-lying midfielder for the Premier League, and he is certainly the man to watch in this one. 

Key Battle 

If Southampton's strength is their midfield, that is where this match will be won and lost. Spurs also rely on controlling the middle of the pitch, and they'll need to be at their best to stop Saints. 

Nabil Bentaleb is one of the rising stars of the Premier League, and it was against Southampton that he earned his first appearance back in 2013. 

He gave a solid account of himself that day, and he will need to do so again. The makeup of Spurs' midfield is uncertain, but Saints' reliable quartet of Schneiderlin, Victor Wanyama, Steven Davis and Dusan Tadic have been the foundation of their success this season. 

If Spurs can hold their own against Saints' midfield, they'll most likely find a way to win. 

 

Live Stream and TV Info 

USA: 7:45 a.m. (East Coast) on NBCS

UK: 12:45 p.m. BT Sport 1 

Odds

Odds Shark has Southampton as the favourites in this one. Spurs have drifted from 2.98 out to 3.60, while Saints are now 2.05 in from 2.44. The draw has also drifted out a little from 3.17 to 3.50. 

A draw seems like a pretty strong bet given that both sides apparently have turned their focus to the offseason. 

This game could be a classic example of players being "on the beach already."