Tottenham Hotspur take on Southampton on New Year’s Day but how exactly do Jose Mourinho’s men pick up all three points?

On the chalkboard

Saints have been in some trouble this season but a recent upturn in form has seen them climb to 15th, four points clear of the drop zone.

They are unbeaten in their last three, beating Aston Villa and Chelsea and drawing with Crystal Palace.

Spurs, meanwhile, have won just once in their last three outings, losing to Chelsea, beating Brighton & Hove Albion and drawing with Norwich City.

One feels that Ralph Hasenhuttl’s men are hardly likely to keep a clean sheet against the north Londoners, given that they’ve conceded 38 times in 20 games. Only Norwich, who are rock bottom of the league, have shipped more.

A total of 27 of those goals have come from open play, accounting for 71%, while seven have come from set pieces, accounting for 18%, per WhoScored.

A massive amount of the shots they have faced have come through the middle of the pitch – a total of 69% - and they are all too easily carved open. The opposition have cracked off 60% off their shots in the 18-yard box, with 33% coming from outside.

In terms of their attacks, 48% of their shots are from within the box, with 40% coming from outside; they clearly struggle to break through.

It seems clear what Spurs need to do then; get the ball into the box – which shouldn’t be too difficult – and keep their shots on target.

If they do that, they have a very good chance.

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Their own struggles

The only problem facing Spurs is their terrible defensive record on the road.

In 10 games on the road in the Premier League this season since the start of the season, the north Londoners have conceded 19 goals. They have yet to keep a clean sheet.

They have also won just twice – beating West Ham United 3-2 and Brighton & Hove Albion 2-1.

Spurs were also lucky to escape with a point against Norwich last weekend, falling behind twice and relying on two set-pieces to snatch a draw; Christian Eriksen scored a free-kick and Harry Kane scored a penalty.

It is another hurdle for Mourinho’s men to overcome against the Saints.

Manage that, though, and three points should be heading back to north London.

Meanwhile, one man has promised he has more to give Spurs.