Football News: Premier League Match Preview Sunday 21st January 2018

Image from: mysteryscenemag.com

Sunday 21st January 2018

Southampton v Tottenham Hotspur 4pm kick off

Yoshida (hamstring injury) late fitness test
Austin (hamstring injury expected return 3rd March) out

Southampton have suddenly fallen apart since the hiding they gave Everton at the end of November. Since that 4-1 win they have not won a single Premier League match. 10 games in a row without a win has raised questions over the manager's future, which has led to the dreaded vote of confidence from the boardroom. Anything but a win will leave Soton in the relegation places at the end of this weekend and looking like a team going down. At least Saints have thoughts of revenge for their 5-2 Boxing Day mauling at the hands of Spurs at Wembley to drive them on. They will need every edge they can get.
Most important player: Ryan Bertrand. The England left back has not been at his best this season, he looks stifled by the tactics. If Mauricio Pellegrino would let him off the leash, he can show why he was acknowledged as one of the best attacking left backs in the Prem.

Lloris (illness) late fitness test
Winks (ankle injury expected return 27 January) major doubt
Rose (knee injury expected return 31st January) out
Alderweireld (hamstring injury expected return 27th January) major doubt

Even without Toby Alderweireld, whose imminent return will be a huge boost, Spurs have picked up their form, winning 4 of the last 5 matches in the Prem, scoring 15 goals in the process and conceding just 3. They are beginning to look a lot more like the Tottenham team of the last 2 seasons as they look to regain a place in the top 4. A good positive result will set them up nicely to face Man Utd, Liverpool and then Arsenal in their next three games.
Most important player: Heung-Min Son. His recent performances have taken the pressure off Kane and Alli to a large degree.

Defining Battle: Saints need to ensure they get as much of the ball as possible to their attacking trio behind the striker. They do not have the goal threat Spurs carry, so they have to find a way to break down that protective midfield pairing that sit in front of the Spurs defence using the pace and trickery that they possess. Unless that trio get a lot of the ball and are on form, this could be a long afternoon for Saints' fans.

Editors' Predictions:
Ed002 - 2-4
Ed003 - 0-2
Ed004 - 1-3
Ed007 - 1-3
Ed018 - 2-2
Ed025 - 0-3
Ed033 - 0-2

Editor's Predictions Table
1. Ed025 - 144 points
2= Ed002 - 141 points
2= Ed033 - 141 points
4. Ed018 - 140 points
5. Ed004 - 139 points
6. Ed003 - 137 points
7. Ed007 - 128 points

*1 point is awarded for the correct result, 3 points for the correct score.
**updated 19th January 2018 (not including results for that day)

Written by Tris Burke January 21 2018 05:19:57