Last updated & checked: 10/08/2021
The home team remain the bookies’ favourites here, although Tottenham haven’t had the best of season thus far, sparking optimism amongst Southampton fans. Things started off well enough with a victory over Aston Villa and a respectable stalemate against defending champions Manchester City. But they went a little off the rails with a loss to Newcastle and a draw against Arsenal. A follow-up victory over Crystal Palace seemed to suggest things were getting back on track but a loss to Leicester and failures elsewhere have them heading into this match on inconsistent form.
The same, however, can be said of Southampton. They started the season with a duo of losses – although a 2-1 loss to Liverpool was nothing to be ashamed of – before regaining momentum against Brighton and losing it again to Bournemouth. The key to victory here, it would seem, is what form each of these seesaw sides turn up in.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Southampton Prediction: Spurs 2-1 Southampton
The unpredictability of both teams’ performances creates a result that is in doubt, but the most likely outcome for us remains the obvious one. If Tottenham were going up against a side which could counter their weaknesses with steadier form, they might get the nod here. But as Southampton are even guiltier of the sins committed by Tottenham so far this season, we can’t possibly predict them to win. All these variables also make this an unusually difficult scoreline prediction. However, considering that Southampton have managed to score in every game except one, our prediction is Tottenham Hotspur win with a 2-1 scoreline.
Our recommended tip: Three or more goals
When you have one team that is as creative and aggressive on the attack as Tottenham, and an opponent that is willing to respond in kind as best they can, we think that a minimum of three goals is probably a pretty likely outcome. This is especially the case considering that a huge middle portion of the Premier League standing rests on a point or two right now, so neither side will be taking this lightly. The only bookmaker we have found offering this bet is William Hill, at low-risk 8/15 odds.
Previous matches
These two sides have played quite literally hundreds of games across a century in several leagues, some of which don’t even exist anymore. So, it’s fair to say there’s no shortage of results to look at in this head-to-head history. In terms of the more modern and relevant examples, it’s clear that Tottenham have the overall statistical edge, winning 10 of their last 14 encounters. However, Southampton do have a bright ray of hope in the form of a victory in March of this year, proving they are far from without their own chances.
Top 3 Premier League Bookies
Players to watch: Son Heung-min & Nathan Redmond
Tottenham Hotspur: Son Heung-min
One of the finest goalscorers in a team full of them, Son Heung-min took a while to arrive this season, especially considering he missed the first two games. But when he arrived – scoring two goals in their 4-0 mauling of Crystal Palace – he did so in spectacular style. It’s also worth pointing out that the only game in which Son has scored this season is also the only time Tottenham has truly looked on top form. Let’s see if he can see repeat that here.
Southampton: Nathan Redmond
It’s a tricky choice here, as while plenty of Southampton players have shone in individual performances, there’s none that have been consistent enough – much like the team itself – to be an obvious choice. We do have high hopes for Nathan Redmond though, who was particularly strong against Brighton. He proved there and elsewhere that when he brings his A-game, he is a consistent threat to any defence.