Southampton fans can look forward to seeing two of the most-vital players from last season; but for the opponent. The Match of the Week is between Liverpool and Southampton. 

Premier League 1. Round

Anfield Road

17-08-2014 @ 13.40 BST

How are the two teams current form?

Rio Ferdinand and John Terry have played their last England match, and now it seems as Ashley Cole is joining the Ex-international. Can Luke Shaw get his first World Cup?

The veterans are ruled out one by one. First Rio Ferdinand was out; then Roy Hodgson announced that John Terry was a part of the past and with Ashley Coles lack of playing time in Chelsea, he looks to be the next to be sacked by England manager. 

The 33-year old defender have not started a Premier League match since 11 January and is being linked with a move away in the summer. César Azpilicueta is the favorite for José Mourinho, and he is not ready to give Cole a chance even though it can cost the defender his World Cup place:

Cole's 106 caps for England are being challenged by Everton's Leighton Baines who has been around the squad for a couple of years now. However, two other players are also pressuring Hodgson for a place in the World Cup squad; Arsenal's Kieran Gibbs and Southampton's Luke Shaw. 

While Gibbs is battling with Nacho Monreal for a place in the Arsenal starting line up, Luke Shaw has played 23 matches for Southampton this season, and is considered as one of the greatest England talents for years. The 18-year old are a future prospect for the England side, and will sooner of later earn his spot on the team. 

Leighton Baines are in front of the two younger defenders when it comes to starting for England against Denmark on the 5th of March as well as for the World Cup. However, either Shaw or Gibbs will probably replace the 33-year old Cole in the squad, with the first most likely to be called up. The new England is beginning to take shape.

Both Southampton and Tottenham started the season in great form, but have since fallen back to mid-table positions, and for one of the managers this caused him the job. Sunday the two sides clash in what we believe can be Match of the Week.

Southampton FC v Tottenham Hotspur

St Mary's Stadium

Premier League Round 17

22-12-2013 @ 13.30 UK

How are the two teams form?

Southampton have played 1-1 in their last two Premier League matches against Newcastle away and Manchester City home. However, the Saints have now won since the 4-1 victory against Hull in the start of November.

After winning two Premier League and one Europa League match followed up the the humiliating 0-5 defeat against Liverpool yesterday, Andre Villa-Boas was sacked this morning. Despite a promising start and a great investment in the squad, the team never seemed to find the right form.

However, on Sunday it speaks for three points to Spurs as they have won the last two meetings between the sides.

What are the probable line ups?

Artur Boruc is out with a hand injury while Southampton also will have to look away from Nathaniel Clyne, Kelvin Davis and Daniel Fox who are all suffering from a knock. The last player on the Saints' injury list is Victor Wanyama who is struggling with a leg injury. For Tottenham, Emmanuel Adebayor is out with a knee injury while Younes Kaboul is suffering from a thigh injury and Harry Kane is sidelined with a bad knee. Furthermore, Jan Vertonghen is out with an ankle injury, and Paulinho is serving a ban.

Gazzaniga

Chambers - Fonte - Lovren - Shaw

Cork - Ward-Prowse

Lallana - Davis - Rodriguez

Osvaldo

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Soldado

Lennon - Holtby - Chadli

Sandro - Dembele

Walker - Dawson - Chiriches - Rose

Lloris

What to expect from this match?

Despite winning the last two matches against Southampton, Tottenham are in my eyes not favorites in this match. They have just sacked their manager, which can be a good thing, but I don't see them changing their play in a week. That said, Southampton have not won since November and with their current form this could easily be the third draw in a row. However, as both sides needs three points to be even close to the top of the table they will have to come out and play some attacking football. Osvaldo and Lallana are the two players with most potential for goals in my opinion why Tottenham will have to mark them tightly. If they are capable of during so, the Saints will have problems in front. I expect this match to end as a draw, possibly 2-2.

What are the odds?

William Hill has Southampton as favorites with a 17/11 bet while BetVictor gives back 2 on a Spurs victory. However, most of the bookmakers predict a draw with a 23/10 at SkyBet and Unibet.

Emirates Stadium

15-09-2012 @ 15.00 BST

What is the status of the two teams, before the match?
Arsenal is reported to be without Rosicky, Sagna and Wilshere, while it is doubtful Giroud and Chamakh will be fit for the match. The polish goal keeper Szczesny is on the brink of a comeback.

Southampton travels to London without Jack Cork and Steve de Ridder but has the rest of the squad ready for the match.

How is the two teams form?
Arsenal's first victory this season came last weekend against Liverpool where Cazorla and Podolski scored the two goals. They have otherwise had two goalless draws against Stoke and Sunderland. Two teams, where Arsenal was expected to take three points.

Southampton was close to the surprise in the first Premier League match against Manchester City. However, Samir Nasri scored with ten minutes left, giving City the victory. Southampton has not won so far in the league, suffering from a 2-0 defeat to Wigan and a 3-2 defeat to Manchester United, but they have shown great spirit.
 

What to expect from this match?
Arsenal has raised their self confidence after last weekends win. However, the Gunners has shown that they have problems with the middle-teams so far, and Southampton might be able to cause them problems.

Southampton has played well against both Manchester teams and are longing for a win. It might come against Arsenal; however, the opponent might be too big a mouthful.

We can expect some technical offensive play from Arsenal, and I believe it will shake Southampton in this match.

Who is going to win?
No one - it will end in a draw. Both teams might get a goal or two, but I can't see any of them winning the match. Arsenal will be the best team and will cause problems for the Southampton defense. However, the strikers have the habit to miss to often in front of goal. The statistics also show that the last two matches between the two teams have ended in a draw.

What are the odds?
The bookmakers are pretty sure: Arsenal will win. However, a draw gives a great cashback.