da pinnacle： Tottenham Hotspur take on Southampton on New Year’s Day attempting to claw back some of the gap that has opened up to the top four.
da betano casino： Spurs’ draw with Norwich City on Saturday, coupled with Chelsea’s dramatic 2-1 win over Arsenal, has left Spurs in sixth, five points behind the Blues.
The Saints, of course, are attempting to find their way out of relegation trouble but they sit 15th, having gone unbeaten in their last three games. They are currently four points clear of the drop zone.
This is a big game for both sides, then, and Jose Mourinho could make some changes. Football FanCast takes a look at the team he should select.
Paulo Gazzaniga is ever-present in goal until Hugo Lloris returns from injury.
At right-back, it is immensely likely that Serge Aurier will continue and he should be allowed to, despite his own goal versus Norwich. Spurs should also utilise a back four, having struggled with a back three against Norwich.
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Juan Foyth was poor against Norwich, while Jan Vertonghen was substituted at half-time.
Thus, it makes sense for Mourinho to tweak his backline and start Toby Alderweireld alongside Davinson Sanchez.
While Vertonghen has played at left-back regularly, Spurs need some width and bringing in Danny Rose would be a good option.
Eric Dier didn’t play against Norwich, meaning Tanguy Ndombele often dropped deep to protect his defence. Starting Dier, then, at the expense of Giovani Lo Celso, would free Ndombele up to play slightly further forward and influence the game in the final third.
Erik Lamela came off the bench against Norwich and he has the terrier-like intensity needed to both help his defence and his attack. Starting him here would be a good decision.
Son Heung-Min remains suspended and Ryan Sessegnon is the natural replacement.
There is something of a quandary in attacking midfield, with Christian Eriksen playing well at Carrow Road, but Dele Alli is able to join up with Harry Kane in attack and essentially give Spurs two strikers.
It makes sense to utilise the England international ahead of the Dane.
Meanwhile, Spurs fans have criticised one man for his performance against Norwich.