Tottenham Hotspur XI vs Southampton: Confirmed Team News and Predicted Lineup | OneFootball

Tottenham Hotspur XI vs Southampton: Predicted Lineup and Team News

The rhythm of a demanding season does not ease for Tottenham Hotspur. With European ambitions still alive and a top-four domestic finish slipping from their grasp, Ange Postecoglou finds himself walking a tightrope — one that stretches from Stamford Bridge to Frankfurt, with Southampton in between.

The visit of the Premier League’s bottom side would usually be cause for confidence, but Spurs’ stuttering form and their manager’s need to rotate ahead of Thursday’s Europa League quarter-final first leg in Germany means this fixture arrives with tension, not comfort.

Photo: IMAGO

Squad Rotation Set to Continue

Tottenham’s loss at Chelsea — their 16th in the league this season — has amplified scrutiny on both results and rotation. Yet Postecoglou remains clear in his messaging. Asked if he would significantly change the side for Southampton, he said:

“To a certain extent, we are a little bit beyond that as the group is in a decent place physically where I don’t have to get players gametime. As I said, it is about getting some momentum leading into the game on Thursday. We will make a couple of changes but we won’t make too many.”

Micky van de Ven, Son Heung-min, and James Maddison are all likely to be given a rest, while Djed Spence — recently back from illness — may also be kept in reserve for the trip to Eintracht Frankfurt.

Defence Rebuilt with Europe in Mind

Pedro Porro, rested against Chelsea, should reclaim his spot at right-back, with Ben Davies likely to partner Cristian Romero at centre-half in place of Van de Ven. Destiny Udogie continues to offer consistency at left-back, and Guglielmo Vicario remains between the sticks.

Photo: IMAGO

There is no return yet for Dejan Kulusevski, Kevin Danso or Radu Dragusin, all sidelined through injury. Postecoglou did, however, confirm there were “no fresh injury concerns” following the defeat at Stamford Bridge.

Midfield Given a New Shape

Yves Bissouma’s patchy form has led to early substitutions in recent weeks, with three half-time withdrawals in his last five starts. As a result, Lucas Bergvall may be preferred in the holding role. Pape Matar Sarr is also likely to start, with Rodrigo Bentancur providing seniority and structure in central areas.

This blend of youth and experience will be vital in a match that demands tempo, patience and precision — especially against a Southampton side scrapping for any remaining hope of survival.

Front Line Offers Flexibility

Postecoglou’s attacking options are in flux. Son is expected to sit out, with Brennan Johnson or Mathys Tel both in contention to start wide. Mikey Moore is pushing for more involvement, and Richarlison could return to the squad after recovering from a muscle issue. Spurs must rediscover sharpness in the final third, with attacking fluency having deserted them during their last outing.

Photo: IMAGO

Against Southampton — a side they dismantled 5-0 at St Mary’s in December — there will be expectation, but also the necessity to manage energy and mental sharpness ahead of the European challenge to come.

Predicted Tottenham Hotspur XI (4-3-3):Vicario; Porro, Romero, Davies, Udogie; Bergvall, Bentancur, Sarr; Johnson, Solanke, Odobert

Momentum, not just minutes, is key now. Postecoglou will know that the performance on Sunday matters — not only for league pride but to carry rhythm into a potentially season-defining European week.