Date, KO time and TV coverage

Premier League, Saturday, March 18, Kick-off 3pm

Predicted score

Southampton 2-1 Tottenham

Suggested bets

Southampton DNB vs Tottenham Southampton vs Tottenham BTTS, yes James Ward-Prowse to score anytime

Key stats

There have been under 2.5 goals scored in Southampton's last five PL games Southampton have seen over 2.5 goals in five of their last six matches against Tottenham in all competitions Tottenham have scored at least two goals in five of their last six matches against Southampton in all competitions Tottenham have lost four of their last eight games in all competitions Southampton have lost 11 of their last 15 in the PL Southampton have won just twice at home all season and have the worst home record in the PL

Previous meetings

PL: Tottenham 4-1 Southampton, August 2022 PL: Tottenham 2-3 Southampton, February 2022 PL: Southampton 1-1 Tottenham, December 2021 PL: Tottenham 2-1 Southampton, April 2021 PL: Southampton 2-5 Tottenham, September 2020

Team news

Kyle Walker-Peters is set to miss out after picking up a hamstring injury in midweek; James Bree is expected to deputise. Ainsley Maitland-Niles is doubtful, while Theo Walcott and Romeo Lavia could return to the starting line-up. Antonio Conte could stick with the same XI that started the 3-1 win over Nottingham Forest last weekend. Pedro Porro is expected to start with Emerson Royal doubtful. Ryan Sessegnon, Rodrigo Bentancur, Hugo Lloris and Yves Bissouma are sidelined.

Recent form

Southampton have scored just once in their last three matches Southampton lost 2-0 at home to Brentford in midweek Tottenham won 3-1 at home to Nottingham Forest last time out Tottenham have won five PL games away from home but have lost their last two Southampton have scored more than one just once in their last eight PL games

What has been said?

Ruben Selles after defeat to Brentford: "I think we came here with the belief that we could have a good performance and get the three points. "We didn't manage the key moments of the game and unfortunately, we didn't get what we wanted. "I think we had a clear plan how to do it (win the game). I think in the second half we showed how to do things and slowly we lost those principles. "We had the crosses, but we didn't have the situations in the box to make the most of it." Antonio Conte after win over Forest: "There are 11 games to go and we needed to bounce back to show that we are strong mentally and in this type of situation the morale can be really down but instead I see the right spirit, the right fight and the right desire to get the three points."

Verdict

Southampton failed to build on an encouraging display against Man Utd by losing to Brentford in midweek. It was a scrappy game littered with fouls and it became a familiar story as the hosts fell short in both boxes before losing 2-0. A poked finish from close range from Ivan Toney made it 1-0 before the Bees made it 2-0 late on. Saints dominated possession and wasted a number of chances and on another day may well have taken the points. James Ward-Prowse watched a free-kick flash wide, just as he did twice at Old Trafford, while Che Adams saw a shot cleared off the line. It was a performance which needed sharpening up in both boxes and against Spurs, Saints are capable of maintaining a decent record against the north London club. They have lost just once in six games at home to Spurs and they showed at Old Trafford they are capable of creating chances, even though United were down to 10 men for much of the game. Theo Walcott wasted two good opportunities to put Saints ahead. Ward-Prowse is a good driving force and dangerous from free-kicks - and after a number of sighters he could well find his range against a Spurs side who are hit and miss. Away from home they have been more miss of late and they look vulnerable against the hosts, who could climb clear of safety with a win. Spurs have conceded 21 goals on their travels, more than anyone else in the top half bar Manchester United - and Antonio Conte regularly reminds his men need a "miracle" to finish in the top four. They do rely on their front players with not much creativity in behind from Oliver Skipp and Pierre-Emile Höjbjerg - and if Jan Bednarek and co can keep Harry Kane et al quiet there might just be something in the game for the hosts. Saints have avoided defeat in five of their 13 home games and they are worth a go in the draw no bet market at around 12/5.

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