The day of our long-awaited Premiership curtain raiser against Southampton at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium has finally arrived, with the Saints looking to repeat last season’s dramatic victory in February come 3 pm, although I suspect that they’d be happy with a point.
As per yesterday’s team news, our only certain absentees are Skipp (foot) and Richarlison (suspension), with Bissouma doubtful following a hamstring issue he picked up vs Roma last week. Conte may also not risk Davies due to his limited pre-season minutes, meaning that one of Sanchez or Lenglet will likely to step into the third centre-back slot next to Romero and Dier. With Doherty and Perisisc still struggling for match fitness from long-term injuries last season, they too may miss out on the starting XI today.
Our opponents are in relatively good nick, with only long-term absentees Tino Livramiento and Theo Walcott ruled out. Despite losing Broja following the expiry of his loan, Saints have been active this summer, signing highly-rated Aribo from Rangers and Bazunu from Manchester City, who is expected to get the nod in goal. Interestingly, they’ve been working with a back three for most of their pre-season matches – don’t be surprised to see them implement that system today.
Our failure to beat them last season will likely drive our opponents, but this is a different Spurs with more optimism and greater knowledge of Conte’s system. Saints will undoubtedly provide a stern challenge for the lads, but nothing less than a win will do here.
Spurs 5-0 Saint’s!
Spurs 5-0 Saints!
Spurs 5-0 Saints!
Hope your right HT
You were pretty close on many occasions last season.
Here we go
COYS..
Hi Niall,
1-0 will do… 3 points to get us up and running.
Given the mid season world cup I suspect all the top teams are likely to find the second half of the season tough. So I’m hoping we get away to a fast start, doesn’t always work that way of course.
Hoping for a good win with attractive football in the sunshine. We did mess up last season against lowly sides which almost caused us to miss 4th place.
On paper, we should win comfortably but it’s a funny old game.
Interesting to see our lineup and squad for the day.
Only 3 weeks to the end of the transfer window. Are we going to be lumbered with Winks, Lo Celso, N’Dombele etc? No takers so far.
,
Apologies for the triple post…
Hello everyone.. yes HT 3 points today is a good start and will settle the squad into a winning confidence mindset. A 2-0 or more win would be great. COYS
Mornin all, its that time again!
SOTS at home, nice win coming up, HT says 5-0 me 4-0 lol! but as has been said any win and 3pts will do. COYS
Today’s starting lineup?
Lloris
Romero Dier Davies
Royal Hojbjerg Bentancur Sessegnon
Kulusevski Kane Soon
Up the Spurs!
But not in that formation!
Reasonable team from last season. Sesssegnon and Emerson weak links. Strong bench much better than last season with top players eager to get on unlike N’Dombele, Winks and Lo Celso.
….. And the Spurs go marching on!