Simon Dalton presents his prediction for the English Premier League match.
Following a tough outing against Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur appear to have a more manageable task ahead as they host Southampton. However, for the visitors, this fixture could define their entire season.
Southampton
The stakes are enormous for Southampton. If 17th-placed Wolverhampton Wanderers pick up a win in their match, even a draw here would confirm Southampton’s relegation to the English Football League Championship. Should both teams end the season level on points, goal difference would still seal Southampton’s fate. With only 22 goals scored in 30 games, overturning a 32-goal gap is simply out of reach. That said, the draw against Crystal Palace last time out was already a step forward following five straight defeats.
Tottenham Hotspur
Breaking down Chelsea’s defence is one thing; unlocking the backline of the English Premier League’s bottom team is quite another. Yet Tottenham Hotspur showed little attacking threat in their last outing, generating just 0.87 xG from eight shots — only two of which were on target. This marked the second consecutive match, both derbies, in which the squad failed to score. Before that, there was a goalless draw with Fulham. In total, Tottenham Hotspur have drawn a blank in four of their past six matches.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Southampton Prediction
This goal drought may give Southampton a slender hope. The visitors could opt to sit deep and soak up pressure, hoping to strike either on the counter or from a set-piece. Even if Tottenham Hotspur do manage to claim the win, they are unlikely to have it all their own way against a desperate and determined side fighting for their English Premier League lives.
