Tottenham look set to avoid Premier League new manager bounce this weekend

Tottenham’s next Premier League against Southampton is a battle between two ideologue managers, both facing pressure for adhering to their brand of football. Despite being under pressure, it seems the Saints will not be looking for a new manager bounce this weekend though.

A fixture that is sure to produce goals

Both Tottenham and Southampton go into Sunday’s Premier League fixture in need of a win. After their defeat to Chelsea, Spurs sit in 11th in the Premier League table, whereas Southampton remain rock-bottom.

While a win doesn’t necessarily shift either side further up the table, it would provide either side a needed morale boost and will keep them within touching distance of the teams above.

Tottenham may well have to travel south with a depleted squad once again, but there is potential for Southampton to play right into Spurs’ hands. Southampton are committed to their deep build-up game.

They have accumulated the most touches of all Premier League teams in their defensive third. On the other hand, Tottenham remain the most-aggressive pressers in the league with the lowest average PPDA from their opponents.

Especially as Southampton are playing at home, they will feel emboldened to play their style. If Tottenham can muster their usual pressing intensity, it will surely reap rewards.

Russell Martin will stay in charge of Southampton for Tottenham visit

According to Football Insider, Southampton will not dismiss manager, Russell Martin, before the weekend’s fixture.

The report suggests that Southampton’s board are in ‘no-rush’ to decide their manager’s future, despite their poor return to Premier League football.

Martin has faced criticism over his possession-heavy football as Southampton have conceded goals from high turnovers and defensive mistakes when trying to play out from the back.

A key match for both managers

Ange Postecoglou and Russell Martin are two managers who have their conviction to play a certain way levied against them. Both currently have the backing of their respective boards, but a loss for either manager could prove significant in whether they keep their position.

While there has been external criticism for Postecoglou, the players appear convinced they are on the right path under Ange. That being said, a failure to win against Southampton (even considering the injury crisis), may prove to be one misstep too far.

To a certain extent, the Premier League results can be overlooked if success were to come in the Carabao Cup against Manchester United, but Spurs need a Premier League win against the tournament’s bottom team to keep momentum going before they can reinforce the squad in January.

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