Southampton host Spurs as Pochettino returns to St Mary’s

Only a point separates Southampton and Tottenham, who are vying for European qualification this season. The Saints uncharacteristically lost 2-1 to Stoke last time out, and they will be determined to put things right against Spurs.

Christian Eriksen was the only scorer for the north London club ran out 1-0 winners earlier in the season, and the Dane is 11/4 with Coral to score anytime, after also dispatching in his club’s 3-1 win over Newcastle last time out.

Meanwhile, Harry Kane breached the 30-goal mark for the season against the Magpies, and is great value at 6/4 to find the net anytime. Nacer Chadli also pounced to score first on Tyneside, and is a decent 12/1 chance to do so again at St Mary’s.

Southampton will be hoping top corer Graziano Pelle can find the net once more, and the last time they played at home the Italian was on target, as Saints ran out 2-0 winners against Hull City and is 7/4 anytime. James Ward-Prowse also dispatched, and is 5/1 to do so anytime, while Dusan Tadic is good value at 11/4.

Ronald Koeman’s south coast side are evens to beat Spurs, as Mauricio Pochettino returns to his former club, and the Dutchman has said that the team must “stick to their principles” in what will be an intriguing match.

“Normally you think to win the game when you play at home,” Koeman said. “But this Saturday will be difficult. Tottenham is a strong opponent.

“They are one of the big teams in the Premier League but we know we have to play our level to show the qualities and to keep the same focus and organisation in defence.

“That for sure can make a winning game,” Koeman continued. “We don’t change a lot. It’s always about a little bit in one or two players maximum about the way how you like to play, maybe in a tactical way about our opponent.

Koeman is also hopeful that centre back Toby Alderweireld will be available, after being stretchered off against Stoke last time out.

“It’s positive,” Koeman added. “He trained for the first time today (Thursday) with the rest of the group.

“If there is not any strange reaction about training then he will be fit for Saturday. Filip Djuricic is a little longer than we expected ten days ago. He’s still out and the rest of the players are fit to play.”