Tottenham Hotspur reacted to their 2-2 Premier League (PL) draw with Everton, a result which hurt their Champions League qualification hopes, by dismissing José Mourinho. His 17-month, 86-game reign culminated in one win in his final six competitive games (D2, L3), costing him a shot at the EFL Cup final.
Another high-scoring affair could ensue, particularly if Southampton, entering this clash nine points ahead of the league’s 18th-placed side, start poorly again having conceded 2+ first-half goals in three of their last four league outings. A result either- way seems probable as they’ve only drawn one of their last 20 competitive matches (W7, L12) following Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final defeat.
Players to watch: With Harry Kane doubtful, Son Heung-min becomes even more key for ‘Spurs’, and after scoring four times in September’s reverse fixture, he’s netted more goals against Southampton (ten) than any other club. For the ‘Saints’, Nathan Redmond has scored three times between the 40th and 70th minute in four competitive matches.