Spursvs.Southampton

The Saints - who could be officially relegated this weekend if they lose and Wolverhampton Wanderers beat Ipswich Town - have lost Flynn Downes to a two-game ban after he was booked for the 10th time in the Premier League season in the recent 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace.

In that same game, Ryan Manning (hand), Lesley Ugochukwu (unspecified) and goalscorer Paul Onuachu (ankle) were also forced off before the end, although only the latter is a serious doubt for this contest.

Will Smallbone (groin) is not due to return to training until Saturday, so Joe Aribo is a safe bet to come into the XI in place of Downes this weekend.

Onuachu has not been ruled out yet, but Cameron Archer will most likely spearhead the charge, potentially alongside Tyler Dibling as Kamaldeen Sulemana makes way.

However, Manning's hand problem could trigger the return of Yukinari Sugawara to the starting lineup, most likely on the right as ex-Spurs starlet Kyle Walker-Peters takes on left wing-back duties.

Jan Bednarek, Taylor Harwood-Bellis and Aaron Ramsdale are defensive certainties, but it may be too soon for Jack Stephens to start two games in quick succession, so Armel Bella-Kotchap is waiting in the wings.

Southampton possible starting lineup:

Ramsdale; Harwood-Bellis, Bednarek, Bella-Kotchap; Sugawara, Aribo, Ugochukwu, Walker-Peters; Fernandes; Archer, Dibling

Written by

Ben Knapton