Credit: Imago

Dan Godfrey

Fri 4 April 2025 16:40, UK

Ange Postecoglou could make multiple changes to his Tottenham Hotspur starting XI to take on Southampton this weekend.

The Premier League clash arrives on Sunday (6 April) and provides Spurs ample opportunity to return to winning ways and gather some sort of a boost ahead of their all-important midweek Europa League quarter-final.

Saints have been the whipping boys of this season’s top flight, but managed a draw against Crystal Palace in the midweek round of fixtures while Spurs were beaten across London at Chelsea (3 April).

Tottenham could make at least two changes v Southampton

Tottenham need a win, and need it desperately in terms of momentum as their doom and gloom continues.

Postecoglou however may be inclined to make some alterations with one eye on their European exploits just four days after the Saints clash.

James Maddison failed to cover himself in glory at Stamford Bridge on Thursday, registering just one shot – which was off target – before being hauled off just before the 70-minute mark.

The Englishman completed an impressive 97 per cent of his passes, but none of those were defined as key.

Maddison could be replaced by Pape Sarr – a player who at least made an impact when introduced in the second half, seeing a strike from distance disallowed after committing a foul in the build-up.

Indeed, Sarr registered an 87 per cent pass accuracy rate and touched the ball 21 times in total from the bench.

Djed Spence may be given a rest having been one of Spurs’ top performers in an ailing side over recent months. Pedro Porro could come back in, before Spence returns against Eintracht Frankfurt.

A decision will have to be made on Son Heung-min, who probably otherwise came closest to scoring against Chelsea with his late effort saved by Robert Sanchez, but failing to inspire with his performances.

Son had that one shot on target against Chelsea but failed to create any chances in what was a disappointing day personally and for the team.

Dominic Solanke has to lead the line, and needs chances put at his door. There is proof in the pudding with his impact inside the area, and Tottenham will be expected to pepper the Southampton goal.

Solanke is averaging 0.34 non-penalty-goals per 90 minutes [FBref], which places him in the bottom 45 percentile of forwards across Europe’s big five leagues.

Southampton a trial run for Frankfurt

It’s fair to say of the two games over the next few days at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, the Saints match is almost an audition.

Spurs’ campaign summed up is such that with eight games still remaining of the Premier League schedule, an ideal chance for three points at home to the bottom side is seen as virtually meaningless.

Tottenham could relegate Ivan Juric’s side if results do not go their way, but that will be barely newsworthy for Spurs, who sit just six places above them.

Any momentum or positive performance found among the Spurs side will play into Postecoglou’s thinking ahead of the Frankfurt first leg in North London. His job rides on it.