Southampton look to make it four unbeaten with visit of Spurs

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.

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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.”

Head-to-head

Southampton  wins – 12

Draws – 7

Tottenham Hotspur wins– 22