Mauricio Pochettino returns to Southampton as Tottenham look to bounce back from their first Premier League defeat since the opening day of the season.

Spurs saw their 14-match unbeaten run in the league come to end after a 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle last Sunday.

Three of their next four fixtures over the festive period are away from home as they look to stay within touching distance of the Champions League places.

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Pochettino led Southampton to an eighth-placed finish in the 2013/14 season and managed a 2-2 draw on his first return to St Mary's last year.

Saints have had an inconsistent campaign so far under Ronald Koeman, losing three of their last four matches to slip to 12th in the table.

Koeman admitted this week that they are in danger of being dragged into the relegation battle if their form does not improve.

Team news

Graziano Pelle is expected to start for Southampton after being named among the substitutes last weekend, but goalkeepers Maarten Stekelenburg and Fraser Forster are still out so Paulo Gazzaniga is in line to start.

Clinton N'Jie (knee) and Ryan Mason (ankle) will not feature for Spurs but Mousa Dembele could play a part after missing out against Newcastle with illness.

Opta stats

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Tottenham are unbeaten in their last six Premier League games against Southampton, winning five of those.

Saints have taken the lead in three of their last four Premier League matches against Spurs, but have gone on to lose two and draw one of those three matches.

Christian Eriksen has scored three goals in his last three league games against Southampton.

Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino was in charge for 54 league games at Southampton; winning 35 per cent of his games (Ronald Koeman has won 43 per cent).

Tottenham have lost a league-high 11 points from winning positions this season in the Premier League.

Southampton have fired in the most open play crosses (309) and have had the most headed shots (51) in the Premier League this season.

Steven Davis has created the most goalscoring chances without having assisted a goal in the Premier League this season (28 chances created, 0 assists).

Paul Merson's prediction

Paul Merson's predictions

The Magic Man gives his predictions for all 10 Premier League matches this weekend

Losing to Newcastle was Tottenham all over. It was their chance to go into the top four, and the nerves got the better of them.

Southampton are in poor form. Bar a chance at the end at Selhurst Park, they were never in the game against Crystal Palace last week.

It's a big game for both teams coming off poor results. If Spurs are going to be considered top four contenders they need to kick Saints while they're down here.

PAUL PREDICTS: 1-1 (5/1 with Sky Bet)

Betting

Southampton are Sky Bet's marginal 8/5 favourites with Spurs 7/4 and the draw available at 9/4. The last three meetings between the sides on the south coast have averaged four goals and Sky Bet are offering 5/1 for exactly four goals to be scored in the match.

Last year's meeting finished 2-2 - a 12/1 shot this time - while a draw with both teams scoring is available at 3/1. Graziano Pelle to net the opener is available at 9/2 with Spurs' Harry Kane a 6/4 shot to net anytime.

Our Sky Sports pundits are spilt on the possible outcome with Jamie Redknapp and Phil Thompson tipping Spurs and Charlie Nicholas backing Southampton to win. See all their picks here.