Tottenham continue their battle for a top-four place with a difficult match on Boxing Day, they take on Southampton at Wembley Stadium. Last season the Spurs won both direct league matches, 4-1 at St Mary's and 2-1 at home. However, Southampton won 2-1 at White Hart Lane two seasons ago. Overall, Tottenham have won four of the last six direct meetings.
Tottenham can't compete for the Premier League title this season, that was made quite clear for them on December 16, when leaders Manchester City thrashed them 4-1 at the Etihad Stadium. The Spurs recovered with a 3-0 victory at Burnley last week and they are currently fifth in the Premier League table, just one point behind fourth-placed Liverpool. Toby Alderweireld and Victor Wanyama are back in training but they probably won't be rushed into first-team action right now.
Southampton have not won a match since the end of November, now they have gone six Premier League matches without winning and are 13th in the Premier League table. The relegation zone is just three points away, so the Saints will have to get something more out of matches sooner rather than later. Striker Charlie Austin picked up a knock during the 1-1 draw with Huddersfield last time out, so he will probably be replaced by Manolo Gabbiadini.
Probable line-ups:
Tottenham: Lloris - Trippier, Sanchez, Vertonghen, Rose - Dier, Dembele - Lamela, Alli, Eriksen - Kane
Southampton: Forster - Stephens, Yoshida, Hoedt, Targett - Romeu, Lemina - Boufal, Tadic, Redmond - Gabbiadini
My prediction: Tottenham to win 2-1.
Here are the odds for the match at Bet365:
Tottenham win - 1.36
Draw - 5.25
Southampton win - 10.00
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