After their last midweek European venture of the season, Tottenham turn their attention to stabilising their season with the visit of an impressive Southampton side on Sunday.
Given the mess and disarray Tottenham find themselves off the field, and recently on the field, it is easy to forget that the North London club currently sit in 5th place. Their position may be artificial due to the games in hand others around them have, but the main issue is the long term aspirations. Focusing on the present, a credible (and surprising) draw to a very good Benfica team on Thursday night wasn’t enough to see them into the quarter-finals. Their league form since their 5-1 defeat to Manchester City has been less credible with only 3 wins in 8 premier League matches.
Southampton have deservedly received praise for their performances this season after impressing many with several players that have come through the ranks of the highly thought of academy. The concern for paying fans will be if they continue their performances until the end of the season or whether the ‘on the beach’ cliché is used for the next month and a half. Their overall form doesn’t replicate this; 4 defeats in 11 games, however their victory over Norwich last weekend was only their second home win in 9 matches.
Key Players
Emmanuel Adebayor
Adebayor’s career in recent years has gone in a rhythm; one season he is a brilliant all-round striker that scores and creates, the next he is a disinterested player with an extremely poor attitude that has an negative effect on the rest of the side. This season he is in the former, possibly due to having to prove himself again, and is one of the only Tottenham players to come out with any credit over the last few months.
Better playing as a number 10 rather than a number 9, Adebayor can drop deeper to bring others into play with a technical ability that allows him produce a spark – something he should do more consistently for Spurs who haven’t always been the best at breaking down sides this season. Creator of 22 chances and scorer of 8 goals, Tottenham’s top goal scorer, Sherwood will hope resting him for the midweek match will mean an Adebayor full of energy as he is someone who can inspire his teammates – if he is in the mood.
Adam Lallana
With Tottenham likely to have a makeshift defensive line again, the movement of Adam Lallana could be a pivotal part of the game as the ability to pull out the defenders who are not comfortable or positional aware will allow Jay Rodriguez – whose well-timed running has played a big part in his goal scoring form – and Rickie Lambert to take advantage. His close-control and quick feet will also be a factor, having dribbled past opponents on 58 occasions.
The high pressing Southampton utilised under Pochettino fits into Lallana’s full of energy, buzzing work rate and has seen him make the most ground duels for Southampton (341). Facing up against Kyle Naughton, who has been prone to errors this season, could result in a lot of joy for Lallana. While Lallana is mainly there to create chances for his teammates, something he has done on 54 occasions this campaign, he has also helped Southampton by himself – sometimes solely on his own like against Hull City – with 7 goals.
Interesting Statistics
- Both teams have scored in only 4 games out of 15 at White Hart Lane this season.
- Hugo Lloris has made 4 errors this season with 3 of these leading to goals conceded.
- Southampton have only won twice at White Hart Lane twice in the last 21 years.
- Jay Rodriguez and Rickie Lambert have had the 6th (63) and 8th (60) most shots respectively in the league this season.
- Adam Lallana has created the 6th most chances (54) and is the highest amount of any English player.
Team News
Tottenham’s injury problems have been documented in the last few days and there will be late fitness tests for Paulinho, Kaboul, and Dembele. Those definitely out for the weekend’s match are Lamela, Capoue, Dawson, and Chirches.
While they have no new injury concerns, Southampton will be without Lovren, Wanyama, and Cork for their visit to White Hart Lane.
Prediction
Tottenham have preferred playing away from White Hart Lane this season with pressure sometimes taking its effect on the players and resulting in poor performances. Their performance with a weakened team against Benfica will add much needed confidence, although it may not be enough to obtain the victory with Southampton’s away form being decent.
