Southampton's struggles this season have seen them in the bottom three from early on in the season, and their task to escape will not be made any easier by the visit of Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
Southampton vs. Tottenham Hotspur: Preview and TV schedule
Southampton face a difficult test as they bid to get out of the bottom three when they host Tottenham Hotspur.
Included in the Spurs lineup will be Gareth Bale, returning from paternity leave to face his former club. The Saints will know all about the dangers posed by the Welshman, and will have to stifle his creativity and goalscoring in order to get something from the game.
One interesting statistic to watch is that Tottenham have scored more of their goals than any other club in the second half, whereas Southampton have conceded more than any other club in the second half. That in mind, Saints fans shouldn’t be celebrating too early if they do take the lead. Although with Southampton having been forced to come from behind to earn all of their points this season, they will be used to being in the reverse position too.
Southampton injuries and suspensions
Out: Gaston Ramirez (thigh), Frazer Richardson (groin), Jack Cork (knee). In doubt: Tadanari Lee (elbow), Luke Shaw (illness).
Tottenham Hotspur injuries and suspensions
Out: Scott Parker (achilles), Benoit Assou-Ekotto (knee), Younes Kaboul (knee.) In doubt: Emmanuel Adebayor (back), Moussa Dembele (hip), Michael Dawson (illness).
Southampton’s record signing Gaston Ramirez is again unavailable as he continued his recovery from a thigh injury. Luke Shaw, meanwhile, has recovered from an illness and could make his Premier League debut.
Tottenham’s Gareth Bale returns from paternity leave to face his former club, but Spurs are struggling with a host of injury problems, with Parker, Assou-Ekotto and Kaboul certain to miss out and Adebayor, Dembele and Dawson struggling.
Match Date/Time: 3 p.m. Local, 10 a.m. E.T.
Venue: St. Mary’s, Southampton, England
TV: Fox Soccer Plus (U.S.)
Online: Fox Soccer 2Go (U.S.)
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