Tottenham Hotspur vs Southampton: Match Preview, Confirmed Team News and Score Prediction | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur vs Southampton: Spurs Seek Redemption Against Struggling Saints

Tottenham Hotspur return to Premier League action this Sunday with a must-win clash against a Southampton side teetering on the edge of relegation. Ange Postecoglou’s project in north London has hit turbulence, and another stumble could deepen the uncertainty around his tenure.

Following a painful defeat to Chelsea, Spurs find themselves winless in four matches, sitting 14th in the Premier League — a far cry from the ambitions harboured in pre-season. Knocked out of the FA Cup and drifting in the domestic standings, the Europa League now appears their only viable path to silverware and salvation.

And yet, this match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium offers more than just three points. It’s about regaining composure, restoring belief, and laying a psychological foundation ahead of Thursday’s high-stakes Europa League quarter-final against Eintracht Frankfurt.

Photo: IMAGO

Southampton Sinking Fast Under Juric

Southampton’s descent has been relentless. Ivan Juric, who succeeded Russell Martin earlier this season, inherited a squad low on confidence and has struggled to reverse its fortunes. While the Saints showed brief flashes of resistance — a gritty draw against Crystal Palace and a rare win over Ipswich — these moments have been drowned out by a wave of defeats.

Bottom of the Premier League table and 19 points from safety, the Saints’ top-flight survival chances are no longer just slim — they are vanishing. Ten losses in their last 12 matches tell a story of a side bereft of structure, quality, and belief.

Juric will at least be spared a selection headache this weekend. Only Will Smallbone misses out due to a groin injury, while Flynn Downes serves a suspension after reaching ten yellow cards. But beyond personnel, it’s about attitude now. There must be fight — or there will be no future in the Premier League.

Photo IMAGO

Team News and Tactical Insights

Tottenham’s injury woes have eased somewhat. Richarlison is back in full training and could return to the matchday squad. However, Dejan Kulusevski and Kevin Danso remain unavailable, while Radu Dragusin has been ruled out for the season with an ACL injury.

Postecoglou, known for his attacking ethos, faces a crucial balancing act. With Frankfurt looming, squad rotation could tempt — but complacency is not an option. The fans demand a reaction, and his players owe them one.

Juric, by contrast, needs miracles rather than tweaks. Southampton must find a way to stay compact and resilient, perhaps looking to frustrate Spurs early and feed off the anxiety of the home crowd.

Spurs to Bounce Back?

Tottenham’s inconsistency this season has tested even their most loyal supporters. From brilliant spells to baffling losses — January’s 2-1 defeat to Leicester springs to mind — predicting Spurs’ performances has become an act of blind faith.

But this one feels different. With their European ambitions on the line and a wounded pride to restore, the Lilywhites are expected to respond. Southampton, out of form and ideas, are unlikely to offer much resistance unless Spurs self-destruct.

Photo: IMAGO

As one observer put it succinctly: “The squad will recognise the now-or-never nature of the game. Ahead of next week’s season-defining Europa League tie, there could be no better preparation than a straightforward, confidence-boosting league win.”

Expect Tottenham to seize control early, use their width and pace to break down a fragile backline, and cruise to a result that — for once — doesn’t come wrapped in drama.

Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 3-0 Southampton

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