Southampton (17-5-11, 56 Points) fans will tell you that they were disrespected a ton when Mauricio Pochettino left St. Mary's for Tottenham (17-6-10, 57 Points). Now, Pochettino will return to the stadium he left during the summer with a spot in the Europa League next season very likely on the line.
ODDS ANALYSIS
Southampton has already guaranteed itself a winning record at home this year with 10 victories in the league here at St. Mary's, and it is understandably a favorite as a result. The margin is just +108, making this match a de facto pick 'em.
The total sits at a relatively average 2.5 (under -125).
KEY INJURIES
Toby Alderweireld was stretchered off of the pitch last weekend against Stoke, but he is considered a 50/50 proposition for this match thanks to his shoulder injury. Filip Djuricic remains out for Soton, while Victor Wanyama is suspended for this clash for receiving his tenth booking of the season against Hull City two weeks ago.
Hugo Lloris is the main concern for the Spurs. He has requested his transfer at the end of the season, and a knee injury only makes matters worse for Tottenham. We have a really hard time believing that Pochettino is going to play him under these circumstances in this fixture.
QUOTE TO NOTE
"You spend a lot of energy when you play in the Europa League, but you never know. It is true the experience of last season with Liverpool and now with Man United – I think that is a clear example that maybe you will have the opportunity to stay closer to reach the top four if you only have to focus on the Premier League and the cups." – Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino on why Tottenham might be better served finishing seventh instead of fifth in the Premier League, which would keep it out of the Europa League for next year
RECENT FORM
Southampton might have been beaten last week at Stoke, but it is still in fine form here at St. Mary's. The Saints have beaten Hull City, Burnley and Crystal Palace in their last three home games, though it should be noted that this contest is much tougher than any of those were.
If Pochettino really would rather not play in the Europa League, his team is showing just that. Sure, the club won 3-1 at Newcastle last weekend, but prior to that, a loss against Aston Villa and a scoreless (and lifeless) draw against Burnley suggest unwanted returns.
TALKING TOTALS
Finally, the long streak of unders ended for Southampton last week with the three-goal showing against Stoke. Previously, 10 straight Soton fixtures had stayed under the total.
Totals have been split somewhat in Tottenham matches. The team has played four of its last six past the number, but that isn't a big enough margin to really consider.
ANALYSIS AND PREDICTION
Boy, do we hate the motivation factor in this match. Southampton is going to want to kick Pochettino's teeth in, while Tottenham really genuinely feels like a team which would rather lay down and not have to deal with the Europa League next season.
Though the number on Tottenham at +270 on the moneyline really feels like it should be a great price, the motivation factor here cannot be underestimated. The Spurs are not playing well defensively at the moment, and even if they do have their all-world goalie in Lloris, we can't imagine that he is going to mentally be in the game 100 percent, knowing that he wants out at the end of the year.
The makings are all there for Tottenham to fall apart in this match, and we're going to take advantage of just that.
Southampton 2, Tottenham 0
BookMaker has live English Premier League odds for every clash of the season. BookMaker is also going to have multiple betting options available for this nationally-televised match. Southampton opened as a +108 favorite. The first offering of the total came in at 2.5 (under -125). Live wagering during the match offers an adjusted moneyline, total and spread. Log in and start gambling during the soccer match now!
Load your betting bankroll from your smartphone or tablet with BookMaker’s new cashier feature! Depositing and withdrawing funds from your account has never been easier. BookMaker's live betting platform means you always have access to odds and lines to every sporting event. Click here and start wagering today! The fixture between Southampton and Tottenham will take place on Saturday, April 25, 2015, at 7:45 a.m. at St. Mary's Stadium. The game will be broadcast live on NBC Sports Network.
