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.