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Southampton look to make it four unbeaten with visit of Spurs

Credit: Southampton FC

Southampton host Tottenham Hotspur at St Mary’s Stadium as they look to kick start the new year with a victory, which will make it four unbeaten.

Ralph Hasenhuttl’s side go into the clash with Jose Mourinho’s men on the back of a 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

As for Spurs, they were held 2-2 by Norwich City at Carrow Road on Saturday evening.

It was poor start to the season but Saints have turned things around thanks to a positive Christmas period which has seen them collect seven points, Spurs have secured four so will be looking to end it with a win.

Victory for Hasenhuttl’s side would move them just five points behind the North London club moving into the rest of January.

Team News

The Saints continue to be without young striker Michael Obafemi who is out with illness whilst fellow Irishman Shane Long could return from a knee injury. Defender Yan Valery remains sidelined with an infection.

Heung-min Son is still banned for the visitors, whilst Hugo Lloris is still out as well as left-back Ben Davies and Danny Rose.

Ralph Hasenhüttl: “It’s maybe the best opponent we are facing in the last few days”

“We knew about the importance of these last few games and we took a lot of points, which is good,” the Saints boss told the club’s website.

“We now have one against Tottenham at home, and another chance at home to get a win.

“It’s a difficult opponent. Last season we had a good game against them and we want to show again that we are competitive. I think the team is doing well at the moment.

“It was a big game when we won against them [last season], but it is not really to compare.”

Jose Mourinho keen to improve defensive frailties:

“We concede too many goals and it is very frustrating. If I was one of my attacking players I would be very frustrated that behind we are not able to stop it,” Mourinho told the Spurs’ website.

“January we have a little bit more time to work, and with work we are going to try to improve.

“So it is frustrating, but it is also a great feeling to know that the team never gives up, it is also a great feeling to know that even in the most difficult circumstances we go and we go and we go.

“I want to praise that fantastic spirit.”