Southampton seeking to surprise stuttering Spurs

Southampton (3/1 for a top six finish) will make the visit to White Hart Lane planning to prove a point to Tottenham and former boss Mauricio Pochettino.

Saints appeared to be a sinking ship over the summer, despite enjoying a sensational eighth place Premier League finish and some scintillating football under the Argentine coach.

Spurs were one of the top flight clubs to ruthlessly capitalise on the south coast side’s uncertainty amid their star player exodus. Despite failing with bids for Jay Rodriguez and Morgan Schneiderlin, though, the north London side did manage to prise Pochettino away from his post, leaving the Saints rudderless.

However, Southampton have bounced back in style under the expert stewardship of Ronald Koeman, and currently sit second only to big-spenders Chelsea in the Premier League. In comparision, Spurs are five points adrift of the Saints and have so far struggled to spark under their new coach.

Tottenham have not tasted victory in a league game since August, and suffered a dismal defeat to West Bromwich Albion last time they played a top-flight match on home turf.

Spurs did earn a draw in their north London derby against Arsenal, with inspirational captain Younes Kaboul putting in an imperious defensive performance. Pochettino will now need his sensational skipper and top class stopper Hugo Lloris to be resolute against the in-form visitors.

Nacer Chadli has so far been the brightest light in Tottenham’s attack, firing home first against the Gunners and netting four times in six outings in all competitions. The brilliant Belgian, who was apparently coveted by Koeman over the summer, is 8/1 to open scoring again and save his new boss’ blushes.

The Saints, meanwhile, are on an impressive unbeaten streak, having suffered just one Premier League loss, way back on the opening day of the season. Koeman has steered his side to six successive victories in all competitions, and is 13/5 to extend that excellent record by vanquishing Pochettino’s team.