With just one win in their last eight games, Tottenham will be desperate for three points when they take on bottom-of-the-league Southampton in the Premier League this evening.
Spurs failed to win for a third game in a row in the Europa League midweek, with Dejan Kulusevski scoring in a 1-1 draw with Rangers, leaving the Lilywhites outside the automatic qualification spots for the knockouts. Alongside their poor Premier League form that has left Spurs 11th in the table heading into the weekend, anything less than three points against Southampton later today would see the pressure mount on Ange Postecoglou.
Spurs don't have the best record against Southampton in recent years, winning just one of their last four meetings against the Saints. Both Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven will be absent once again for the Lilywhites, while Yves Bissouma is suspended after accumulating five yellow cards.
So, can Spurs pick up a much-needed three points later today? Let's take a look.
We simulated Southampton vs Spurs to get a score prediction
To complete this simulation, we used EA FC 25 and updated the squads with the latest injuries and suspensions.
We predict that the Saints could set up in a 3-5-2 formation, with their line-up as follows: McCarthy; Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Wood; Walker-Peters, Fernandes, Downes, Manning; Dibling, Onuachu, Armstrong.
We predict that Spurs could line up in a 4-3-3 formation, with their starting XI as follows: Forster; Spence, Gray, Dragusin, Udogie; Sarr, Bergvall, Maddison; Kulusevski, Solanke, Son.
Postecoglou's side were on top in the opening stages, with Kulusevski and Heung-Min Son both testing the 'keeper early on in what was a bright start from Spurs. Alex McCarthy made some big saves in the opening 10 minutes with Southampton under pressure, but as they have done so often this season, the hosts were their own worst enemy as Spurs made it 1-0.
Dominic Solanke made it 1-0 to Spurs
Dominic Solanke made it 1-0 to Spurs (Image: EA Sports)
Flynn Downes was caught in possession on the edge of the box as Southampton tried to play out of the back, with James Maddison making the challenge before poking the ball forward to Dominic Solanke. The striker used his body to shield the ball away from the defender before firing into the far corner, making it 1-0 to the Lilywhites.
Spurs doubled their lead just before the break to head into half-time with a healthy lead, with Destiny Udogie's cross towards the back post being headed in by Kulusevski. Despite being in a strong position, it was Southampton who dominated the second half, with Fraser Forster making some big saves to deny the hosts a way back into the game.
But, with three minutes to go, Spurs managed to grab a third to destroy any hope of a comeback.
Heung-Min Son made it 3-0 to Spurs
Heung-Min Son made it 3-0 to Spurs (Image: EA Sports)
A turnover in possession allowed Spurs to hit Southampton on the break, with Kulusevski threading a pass through for Son to chase. The winger cut inside onto his right foot and curled a shot into the bottom corner in what proved to be a comfortable win on the south coast.
EA FC 25 pre dicted final score: Southampton 0-3 Spurs
What do you think the final score will be? Let us know in the comments!
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