· Brian Judson's Preview
· Last Year's Game -
· Match 22 - last year
· What happened in the Premiership in Match 22 2001-2
Last Six Premiership results:-
Southampton
West Ham 0 1 Southampton
S'hampton 2 0 Birmingham
S'hampton 1 1 Newcastle
Leeds 1 1 Southampton
Chelsea 0 0 Southampton
S'hampton 2 1 Sunderland
Spurs
B'mingham 1 1 Spurs
Spurs 3 1 West Brom
Spurs 1 1 Arsenal
Man City 2 3 Spurs
Spurs 2 2 Charlton
Newcastle 2 1 Spurs
Pos P W D L F-A GD Pts
7 So'pton 21 8 8 5 24-21 3 32
8 Spurs 21 9 5 7 30-30 0 32
This time last year, we played Southampton at their stadium on Boxing Day. They beat us 1-0 with a headed goal by Beattie, who is of course on top form for the Saints now. Then, Spurs were seventh in the league, whilst Saints were in the bottom four, having struggled to find winning form on their own ground.
Things are different this season, and Southampton have not yet been beaten on their own ground, which is of course ominous for Spurs, as we have to play there twice in four days. Beattie is scoring well again, and I had hoped that he might have to miss a few games through injury (not wishing too much ill for him, you understand). Saints are unbeaten in 7 games now, and this is a run which started with an impressive 3-2 win against Arsenal. Their last defeat was 2-1 at Newcastle on 16th November. Beattie has 12 goals to his name, all of which have come in the league, but look out for Ormerod (6 goals - 3 in the league), and Fernandes (3 goals- 2 in the league).
I have no doubt that Glenn will have confused Gordon Strachan somewhat with his different tactics at St. James' Park, but as Brian says, both sides will probably want to keep something up their sleeves for Saturday's Cup game, which on a match for match basis, must be the most important one for both teams to win. I too, fancy that this first game will be a draw. Looking ahead, I think that the Cup tie will also be a draw, with Spurs to win the replay at The Lane.
As always, we travel hopefully. Happy New Year to one and all!
