The Pochettino Derby As Spurs Host Southampton

Mauricio Pochettino welcomes his old club to his new home at White Hart Lane as Tottenham Hotspur take on Southampton for the first time this season. The Argentinian has got off to something of a mixed start at the helm of the London side as he looks to balance the bread and butter of the Premier League with the rigors of life in Europe. Spurs have amassed eight points from their initial six games, after holding North London rivals Arsenal to a 1-1 draw last time out. In-form Nacer Chadli broke the deadlock soon after the commencement of the second half before Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain equalised for the Gunners at the Emirates. This result means that Tottenham have not won since their 4-0 victory over Queens Park Rangers on 26th August. Chadli bagged a brace against the side of former Spurs boss Harry Redknapp whilst Eric Dier and Emanuel Adebayor also got their names on the scoresheet.

Under the stewardship of Pochettino`s replacement Ronald Koeman, Southampton have been defying all expectations as they currently occupy second position behind the undefeated Chelsea. An unlucky opening day defeat at Liverpool has been the only blot in Koeman`s copybook as the Saints have managed to bounce back and accumulate 13 points in six games whilst also progressing to the third round of the Capital One Cup. Stunning efforts from Ryan Bertrand and Graziano Pelle proved the difference as the high-flyers got the better of strugglers QPR last time out. The game ended 2-1, Charlie Austin grabbing the memorable consolation goal for the Rs. Italian Pelle has now scored four league goals for the Hampshire side this season and can be backed at 2/5 with betfair to make it five from seven.

In spite of Southampton sitting in second and having the advantage of one of the league`s top goal scorers in their side, it is Tottenham who are the bookmakers` favourites for victory tomorrow. Six to five (betfred, Betvictor, Totesport, william hill) says the home side will send the Saints back to the coast with nothing to show for their exploits whilst it is 45/17 (888sport, unibet) for an away win. A generous price when it is considered that Koeman`s men have earned six points from a maximum of nine on the road. The best price for a draw is 5/2 which can be retrieved from bet365, betfair, Betvictor, boylesports, Matchbook and Stan James. Spurs boss Pochettino made ten changes to his starting eleven ahead of the team`s mid-week Europa League clash with Besiktas on Thursday and it is thought that the 42 year old will restore all the players rested for the game that ended as a 1-1 draw. Though both Moussa Dembele and Danny Rose could return to the starting eleven after recovering from their respective injuries. Dembele was substituted in Spurs` 1-0 defeat at the hands of West Bromwich Albion whilst Danny Rose was last seen hobbling off in the clash with Arsenal. Both face late fitness tests.

Meanwhile, Southampton will see Maya Yoshida miss out following an ankle injury picked up in the team`s 1-0 win over Swansea City. Twenty-five-year-old Romanian Florin Gardos is set to reclaim his place in the eleven after suffering from hamstring troubles whilst Jay Rodriguez (knee) and James Ward-Prowse (foot) are long-term absentees for the side who can make a credible top four challenge - according to manager Koeman.

`If we continue like this we can finish in the top four.` The former Feyenoord boss told journalists in his pre-match press conference. `Normally teams like Tottenham and Manchester United will be up there because they have enough good players - maybe too many for most clubs to compete. But if we keep the belief, spirit and ambition, nothing is impossible.

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04/10/2014     © Frixo 2026