This Sunday afternoon Southampton will play host to Tottenham, less than a month after the Spurs humiliated the Saints 5-2 on Boxing Day.
The match will be vital to both sides with Southampton and Tottenham fighting for respective causes at each end of the table. For the former, it’s a serious matter of relegation with no league win in ten – for the Spurs it’s a case of continuing to put pressure on the top four.
Mauricio Pochettino’s men are currently three points off Liverpool but are over 20 behinds the league leaders Manchester City. Unlike before, Tottenham don’t boast the tightest defence in the league either. Despite, life-long Spurs supporter Ollie Madgwick believes his side aren’t doing that badly.
"“I feel it’s been a bit of an indifferent season so far. looking where we are in the table compared to last year you could say it’s slightly disappointing but, when taking into account that we’ve had key players missing for large parts of the season (Alderweireld and Wanyama who’s only just returned) in addition to having to acclimatise to a new stadium, we’re not doing too badly. “The Champions League campaign has definitely been the highlight so far. But yes I think undoubtedly the rest of the big six have strengthened which has had an effect.”"
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Just four weeks ago the North London outfit ran rampant at Wembley against the Saints, with Harry Kane running away with yet another hattrick.
Despite this the Spurs have tasted defeat on five occasions so far this season, and Ollie believes that his team’s weakness lies with their struggles against side’s that sit deep.
"“I think we’ve struggled this season the most against teams who have sat back against us and just looked to frustrate. Most recently the game against West Ham, where we really found it tough and managed to just about salvage a point. “So I think if the Saints can stay organised at the back and nullify our attacking threat, you might be able to use the pace of the likes of Sofiane Boufal or Long to catch us on the break and maybe nick it.”"
Both teams have been relatively quiet so far in the January window, as we hit the three-mark of the month. Neither the Saints nor the Spurs have brought anyone in, despite rumours. As recently as Friday, Mauricio Pellegrino’s side found themselves linked with both Quincy Promes and Islam Slimani.
Tottenham meanwhile have been linked with PSG’s Lucas, a type of player who Ollie believes would fit the bill perfectly, with the Spurs lacking natural speed.
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"“I think it’s fairly clear what sort of player we need. A winger/striker with pace and trickery who is capable of changing a game on his own.“Son is beginning to look like he’s becoming that kind of player for us and I don’t think he gets enough credit. “But I do think pace is something our squad definitely lacks at the moment. Without him there’s not really anyone else in that vein in our squad.”"
Southampton’s lack of transfer activity seems more puzzling however, especially after the board expressed their backing for under-fire boss Pellegrino.
With no league win in two months the Saints faithful have lost all patience with the Argentine, but were hoping that with the board publicly behind him, investment would be made. Ollie believes Southampton are in a really tricky position:
"“It’s a difficult situation for Saints. Obviously he’s not proven to be successful so far and saints fans have every right to be disgruntled.“But on the other hand, chopping and changing managers (particularly mid season) can create further problems. As a spurs fan I can vouch for that. Sometimes you need a period of stability and the results eventually come. But admittedly the results are going to need to come soon if you’re to avoid a relegation scrap.”"
Despite a couple of players returning from long lay-offs, the away side could be without star goalkeeper and captain Hugo Lloris today, meaning the Saints could have a sneaking chance.
However, Ollie is still predicting that his team come out victorious.
"“Usually games between our two clubs are really good to watch so I’m definitely looking forward to this one. We’ve had the edge over saints in recent games but I think on their day Saints are more than capable of causing us problems. I’m going for a 3-1 Spurs.”"
Southampton versus Tottenham kicks off tomorrow afternoon at 4PM.