As the footballing world tries to return to some semblance of normality, Tottenham host Southampton on Wednesday evening in their first match since Jose Mourinho was fired.
The former Chelsea boss was relieved of his duties after Spurs' most recent outing - a 2-2 draw at Everton. Tottenham have lost three of their last six games and that poor run has left them seventh in the Premier League table, five points off the top four.
Ryan Mason will take charge of his first Spurs game as interim boss and, while we likely won't see much change too quickly, we could see a more expansive and attacking Tottenham than we've become accustomed to.
? Interim Head Coach @RyanMason #THFC ⚪️ #COYS pic.twitter.com/SeHko1IgP3
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) April 20, 2021
Things are currently even worse at Southampton. The Saints have lost seven of their last ten games in the Premier League and were dumped out of the FA Cup last weekend by Leicester after a promising cup run. Ralph Hasenhuttl's men are now 14th in the table but, sitting nine points clear of Fulham in 18th and having played two games fewer, they look safe.
Now, here's 90min's preview of the game.
Where to watch Tottenham vs Southampton
When is it played? Wednesday 21 April
Where is it played? Tottenham Hotspur Stadium
What time is kick off? 18:00 (BST)
TV Channel? Sky Sports (UK)
Referee? David Coote
Who's on VAR duty? Jonathan Moss
Tottenham team news
Spurs talisman Harry Kane will be absent due to the ankle knock he picked up at Goodison Park last time out. We may see Son Heung-min take his place up top rather than Carlos Vinicius.
Elsewhere, Ben Davies remains sidelined but Matt Doherty has been cleared to return to the squad. Mason might rotate some players, given he has the Carabao Cup final to play on Sunday.
Southampton team news
Takumi Minamino will be able to come back into the lineup after being ineligible to play in the FA Cup semi final on the weekend.
Oriol Romeu and Michael Obafemi remain out of action and are the only absentees for Hasenhuttl.
Tottenham vs Southampton predicted lineups
Tottenham: Lloris; Aurier, Alderweireld, Rodon, Reguilon; Hojbjerg, Winks; Bale, Alli, Lucas; Son.
Southampton: McCarthy; Walker-Peters, Bednarek, Vestergaard, Bertrand; Armstrong, Ward-Prowse, Diallo, Minamino; Ings, Adams.
Recent results
Tottenham
Everton 2-2 Tottenham - Premier League (16/4)
Tottenham 1-3 Manchester United - Premier League (11/4)
Newcastle 2-2 Tottenham - Premier League (4/4)
Aston Villa 0-2 Tottenham - Premier League (21/3)
Dinamo Zagreb 3-0 Tottenham - Europa League (18/3)
Southampton
Leicester 1-0 Southampton - FA Cup (18/4)
West Brom 3-0 Southampton - Premier League (12/4)
Southampton 3-2 Burnley - Premier League (4/4)
Bournemouth 0-3 Southampton - FA Cup (20/3)
Southampton 1-2 Brighton - Premier League (14/3)
Tottenham vs Southampton prediction
It's never easy to predict how a new face's first match in charge will pan out but, given the negativity surrounding Spurs in recent weeks, the relief and breath of fresh air that Mason will bring could stand them in good stead for a positive result and potentially set up a honeymoon period for the final stretch of the season.
? Getting set for Southampton#THFC ⚪️ #COYS pic.twitter.com/K2N38Fh8jp
— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) April 20, 2021
Southampton will not be easy opponents but a measly defeat at Wembley last time out and a horrid 3-0 loss to West Brom in their last Premier League outing may have just damaged their spirits a little too much to bounce back against Spurs.
Spurs have undeniable quality and, with a little tweak in tactics, could get a much needed lift on Wednesday evening.
Prediction: Tottenham 3-1 Southampton
Source : 90min