Tanguy Ndombele was left out of the matchday squad in Tottenham’s penalty-shootout defeat to Colchester United, but he should start against Southampton on Saturday afternoon. Victor Wanyama deputised for Ndombele in midweek and may be dropped by Mauricio Pochettino.
The 28-year-old has stiff competition from Ndombele, Moussa Sissoko, Harry Winks & Eric Dier and hasn’t impressed when called upon – Wanyama was blamed for Tottenham’s 2-1 defeat to Leicester City last Saturday and was criticised for his performance against Colchester on Tuesday.
He may be given a rest as a result.
Pochettino has used the Kenyan international twice in recent weeks, but Spurs aren’t short on options ahead of Saturday’s clash – Ndombele, Winks and Sissoko started in a three-man midfield against Leicester.
The Tottenham manager might opt for a 4-2-3-1 formation against Southampton, however, giving Ndombele & Winks the nod which will result in Wanyama & Sissoko missing out.
Tottenham can’t afford to drop more points after falling out of the Premier League top-four, but the Lilywhites aren’t in the best form – Pochettino’s men have picked up just one win in five and face a Saints side boasting consecutive away wins.