Southampton vs Tottenham: Mauricio Pochettino returns - but what happened when Tottenham visited St Mary's last season?
A look ahead to this weekend's Premier League fixture at St Mary’s
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Mauricio Pochettino returns to St Mary’s on Saturday for the first time since leaving Southampton for a clash with both sides hunting European football.
Tottenham find themselves sixth in the Premier League level on points with Liverpool in fifth while Southampton are hot on their tails and trail just one point behind.
Many believed Southampton would struggle this season after losing Pochettino as well as star players Adam Lallana, Luke Shaw and Rickie Lambert – with some even tipping the Saints to go down.
However, Ronald Koeman has stepped up to the plate and spent wisely, putting his side in with a genuine shout of finishing in the Europa League places. The Dutchman added the likes of Graziano Pellee, Dusan Tadic and Fraser Forster as well as signing left-back Ryan Bertrand in the January transfer window.
Morgan Schneiderlin will also be under the spotlight in the lunchtime kick-off as the Frenchman has been linked with a move to White Hart Lane since last summer. However, Schneiderlin feels the return of Pochettino will not affect Southampton.
"He's a great manager, we achieved great things last year but the page is turned," said the Saints’ midfielder.
Southampton have defended admirably all season but will have the task of stopping the red hot Harry Kane who reached the 30 goal mark last weekend against Newcastle.
Expect a tight but entertaining affair on the south coast as both sides attempt to secure European football for next season.
KICK-OFF: Saturday, 12:45pm
PAST THREE MEETINGS…
Tottenham 1 (Eriksen) Southampton 0, Premier League, October 2014
Tottenham 3 (Eriksen 2, Sigurdsson) Southampton 2 (Rodriguez, Lallana), Premier League, March 2014
Southampton 2 (Lallana, Lambert) Tottenham 3 (Adebayor 2, Hooiveld o.g.), Premier League, December 2013
STATS…
Spurs have won their last five Premier League games against Southampton before losing four of five before this run.
Southampton have scored just eight goals in their last 11 Premier League matches.
Christian Eriksen has scored three goals in three Premier League games against Saints.
Southampton have allowed fewer shots on target against them than any other team in the Premier League (93).
ODDS…
Southampton to win: 2.1
Tottenham to win: 4
Draw: 3.5
TV: Live on BT Sport at 12:45pm and highlights on BBC One at 10:30pm.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments