In the lesser spotted Sunday evening slot, with a 19:00 GMT kick off, Spurs will take to the field for match day 16 of the 24/25 Premier League season, as they face newly promoted Southampton at St Mary’s.
So, what can we expect from the home outfit?
Coming into the game, the hosts are rock bottom of the Premier League, with just four points so far this season – 1-1 draws with Ipswich Town and Brighton and Hove Albion, and a win over Everton.
Southampton manager Russell Martin has many parallels with Ange in a way. The 38-year old is often slammed for his stubbornness, as his side continue to play out from the back, irrespective of the personnel out on the field. The Saints have made the most errors leading to goals out of anyone in the league this season, with pretty much everyone coming from playing out from the back.
As a result, Spurs could have some success with their pressing in this game, and the excellent out of possession work from Dominic Solanke will be key here. Having looked out of sorts recently, this is surely the perfect chance for Heung Min-Son to re-find his form. Fans will remember his four goal haul here back in September of 2020.
Despite their struggles, the South Coast side did, as touched on above, recently pull off an impressive point away to Brighton – more than Spurs managed. In fact, had they not been on the end of a very controversial VAR call, they may well have returned home with all three points that night.
This game is going to be far from what it could have been, for better or worse. The hosts have an injury crisis similar to Spurs’. Both their first and second choice goalkeepers - Aaron Ramsdale and Gavin Bazunu – are out, whilst regular central defenders Jack Stephens (suspension), and Jan Bednarek, are set to be unavailable, though the latter has a chance of making it.
In addition, veteran Adam Lallana and absolute unit centre-forward Paul Onuachu are doubtful. Furthermore, midfielder Will Smallbone and forward Ross Stewart are also out for the game.
Out of those actually available, Tyler Dibling, who Spurs have looked at – is likely to be the dangerman. Whilst he has not provided a bucket load of goals and assists, his dribbling and ball carrying has seriously caught the eye for Martin’s side, and he could have some fortune against a seriously fatigued Destiny Udogie.
Elsewhere, Adam Armstrong could be a threat, with the forward renowned for being much better against high lines. The 27-year old scored and assisted against Liverpool earlier in the campaign. His two league goals so far are matched by Joe Aribo and Cameron Archer.
This really stinks of “Dr Tottenham”. In two games against newly promoted sides this season, Spurs have come away with two points, giving Ipswich what is still their only win all campaign. Leicester have only picked up nine points from their eight home games so far, and that ended in a 1-1 draw back on opening weekend.
Just truly crazy to have such little confidence against bottom of the league. Hope to be proven wrong – let’s see.