It was nice to get that badly needed win against Saudi Sportswashing Machine last week. After the 2 bad results against Burnley and Villa, we badly needed that win to get back into winning ways. But not sure if the players still have the motivation to give their best in the remaining matches. With us out of the top 4 race, not sure they want to work hard only to qualify to EL next season. Besides, Pochettino doesn't seems to rate EL highly. But we do have excellent record against Southampton, winning our last 5 matches against them. Hope the players will atleast turn up for their pride.
It was great to see Kane scoring his 20th league goal against Saudi Sportswashing Machine. I think the remaining 5 matches will be all about how many goals Kane will score. Hope he will continue his goal run in this match. Similiarly, it was great to see Eriksen scoring his first goal in 14 matches or so. But amazingly, that was his 10th league goal this season. It is a great achievement for a midfielder to score 10 league goals or more in a season. Hope Eriksen will score more goals in the remaining matches. Chadli too did well to score his 9th league goal against Saudi Sportswashing Machine. How great it will b if all 3 score again in this match.
I think this match will be won or lost in midfield. Unlike us, Southampton seems to have a more stable midfield. If we want to win this match, we have to win the midfield battle first. Despite beating Saudi Sportswashing Machine with Paulinho-Bentaleb in midfield, I still feel our best midfield should be Dembele and Stambouli. It is disappointing that Pochettino has not given more chances for them together. Thought Lamela did well to assist the goal for Kane against Saudi Sportswashing Machine. I think Lamela should start again in this match.
It is disappointing that our defending have become bad under Pochettino this season. Hope he will concentrate on defence next season. For now, we will have to be more ruthless in defence to keep a clean sheet or two. Wish Lloris will come back in goal for this match. Still not fully convinced about Vorm. Also, we should start Vertonghen and Fazio in defence again. I think they are our best defensive partnership. Will be disappointed if we don't keep a clean sheet in this match.
A few months ago, this match would have been crucial in the top 4 race. But it is a pity we are out of the top 4 race now. But still want us to give our best to win all the remaining matches. Hope we will turn up with the right mentality and win this match.