Erik Lamela thinks he is Marco van Basten for a second as Kyle Walker's cross finds him at the far post for an attempted volley back across goal. He clears up the debate once and for all as his effort stays in play and bounces near the edge of the Saints box. So, to clarify, Erik Lamela is not Marco van Basten.

Dusan Tadic finds Sadio Mane again but he can't get a shot away in the box as Jan Vertonghen slides in. The ball flicks back off the Saints forward for a goal-kick, prompting the referee to give Hugo Lloris a bit of a telling off about the amount of time he is wasting.

Sadio Mane has looked great so far today, right up until he gets anywhere near the Tottenham box. The Saints man over-hits a cross that beats everyone.

Soon after, down the other end, Erik Lamela wins Spurs a corner, which they take short and then deliver straight into the hands of Paulo Gazzaniga.

Lots of effort so far, but precious little quality when it matters. A bit like an episode of X Factor.

Image source, Getty Images

Spurs are having their best spell. Christian Eriksen turns past a man on the edge of the box and shoots, but some way past the far post.

Tottenham do come forward now, though, and win a corner when Christian Eriksen's cross is headed behind. The Dane delivers the corner but way over everyone and out for a throw on the opposite side. 

That was poor. And against form as Spyurs have more goals from set-pieces than any other Premier League club this season.

Spurs haven't started yet. They've barely been out of their own half. And every time they do flirt with an attacking move, it is snuffed out by a hard-working Southampton. Ronald Koeman's biggest concern? That it is still 0-0.

Image source, Getty Images

It is all Southampton. A couple of crosses are hacked clear by Spurs, the last of which sparks calls for handball against Toby Alderweireld. The referee thinks it was ball to hand. Mainly because it was. No penalty.

Sadio Mane completes a hat-trick of misses chances as he hits Dusan Tadic's low cross first time from the edge of the box but too close to Hugo Lloris, who dives low to save. It was the best opportunity of the lot and he should have scored. Tottenham were all over the shop at the back.

Image source, Getty Images

Oh, Sadio Mane again runs into space to collect a ball into the box but his shot from an angle is deflected over by the boot of Toby Alderweireld. Ronald Koeman says his side have been creating plenty of chances of late but not converting them. Same story so far in this game.

Southampton get plenty of men forward but the cross from the left by Dusan Tadic floats over all of them. Soon after, Sadio Mane runs into plenty of space in the Spurs box to try and receive a long ball forward but Hugo Lloris is out in a flash to beat him to it. Just. Promising start for the home side.

Southampton snap into a tackle early and set Sadio Mane charging toward the Spurs box but Eric Dier stays with and then dispossesses him. Judging by the preferred style of both managers we should get a high-tempo game here. None of that pointless midfield possession stuff.

Mauricio Pochettino takes his seat in the away dug-out and calmly crosses his legs. He's not fazed. The Saints players break from a huddle and we are under way.

OK, here we go, the teams are on their way out. We're just a minute or two away from a whole game of football. I'll be focusing on the 90 minutes from the St Mary's but if you want an overview of the Premier League action you can follow it here.

John Motson
BBC Match of the Day commentator

Image source, PA

"The focus on this game will inevitably be on Mauricio Pochettino, who led Southampton to eighth in his one full season in charge and guided Tottenham to fifth last term. 

"The Argentine has had a profound influence at both clubs - constructing young sides who play attractive, attacking football. 

"And he has also played a key role in developing English talent - of England's last 17 debutants, 10 were being coached by Pochettino at the time. 

"Both sides come into this match on the back on defeats, with Saints winless in five league and cup games, and Tottenham smarting from an unexpected defeat at home to Newcastle."

Image source, .

BBC Sport's prediction overlord Mark Lawrenson reckons this game is going to be 2-1 to Southampton.

But what do you think? There is no need to scream your prediction at your computer any more - you can have your say using our Predictor.

There is a league table for how fans of each club are doing prediction-wise this season. Saints and Spurs fans, it's not looking good for you. But you can turn it around by predicting right now.

Striker Graziano Pelle returns to the Southampton starting XI following injury and starts in place of Shane Long. Dusan Tadic is recalled after being on the bench for the loss at Crystal Palace and Jordy Clasie starts, with Maya Yoshida and Oriol Romeu dropping to the bench.

Southampton starting XI: Gazzaniga, Soares, Fonte, van Dijk, Bertrand, Wanyama, Clasie, Mane, Steven Davis, Tadic, Pelle. 

Subs: Kelvin Davis, Yoshida, Long, Romeu, Ward-Prowse, Juanmi, Targett.

Image source, BBC Sport

Tottenham make two changes from the side that lost at home to Newcastle last weekend. Ben Davies is in for Danny Rose at left-back, while Mousa Dembele returns from injury and replaces Tom Carroll in midfield.

Tottenham starting XI: Lloris, Walker, Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Davies, Dembele, Dier, Lamela, Alli, Eriksen, Kane.  

Subs: Bentaleb, Son, Vorm, Chadli, Wimmer, Carroll, Winks.

Image source, BBC Sport