Spurs under 23’s versus Southampton: (match preview)

Our under 23’s return to PL2 action on Friday when they host Southampton at Hotspur Way. Wayne Burnett’s sides last game was an enthralling one against Ipswich Town in the EFL trophy however, it’s back to league action for the young ‘ Lilywhites ‘ who take on Radhi Jaidi’s out of form Southampton side who have lost three of their opening four league games this season. Newly promoted Southampton who came up to division one through the play off system last season, have some talented players in their young side. Some of the players to look out for tomorrow include tricky Irish winger Will Ferry, fullback Kameron Ledwidge, tenacious midfielder Callum Slattery and potent centre forward Christian Norton. Southampton lost their last league game 8-2 to Everton, so they’ll be looking to make amends for that heavy defeat on Friday. Known for playing with a lot of width, Southampton are a fairly direct side who have a tendency to whip balls into the danger zone. Apart from the players already mentioned, the ‘ Saints ‘ tricky attacking midfielder Will Smallbone is another player to watch out for tomorrow, with his low centre of gravity and good turn of pace. Spurs are still missing a number of players to injury but hopefully some will return in time for tomorrow’s game. Namely central midfielder Jamie Bowden whose creative passing from deep we have missed during the last couple of games. However, we are still likely to be without J’Neil Bennett and Maxwell Statham for our meeting with the ‘ Saints ‘. I shall be reporting on Fridays game and my in-depth match report will be out later that night. A win for Spurs tomorrow would temporarily lift them to the top of the division one table.

My predicted lineup: (4-2-3-1) Whiteman, Hinds, Eyoma (c), Lyons-Foster, White, Maghoma, Bowden, Markanday, Shashoua, Tracey, Richards.

Subs from: De Bie, Okedina, Dinzeyi, Oakley-Boothe, Clarke. 

Injured/unavailable: Malachi Walcott, J’Neil Bennett, Jeremie Mukendi, Dennis Cirkin, Maxwell Statham.

Doubtful: Maurizio Pochettino, Maximus Tainio.

My score prediction: Spurs 3-1.

Previous meeting: Spurs 3-1.

My one to watch: Left winger and Ireland under 19 international Will Ferry is a player who really caught my eye for Southampton at under 18 level over recent seasons. Ferry has good pace, quick feet and a wand of a left foot. Furthermore, the 18 year old has good vision for a pass.