Southampton Under-18s will face a good footballing side in Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, according to manager Craig Fleming.
Spurs currently sit four places above Saints in 5th, and Fleming believes it will be a battle of two similar styles when the teams face off at Staplewood.
“I am expecting a tight, close game,” he explained.
“Both sides like to get the ball down and play football and both in a similar shape – historically 4-3-3 – so it should be a good game for the boys.
“We won’t know our starting XI until very late, with the Prague match having an impact on the Under-23s squad for Monday and then, in turn, ours on Saturday.
“So it’s a little bit disjointed in terms of knowing who will be playing and who we have available, but training has gone well – it’s been a good week.”
Michael Obafemi will once again be fit and in contention for a starting berth against Spurs.
The striker missed the start of the season due to a stress compression in his lower back, but has since returned to score against Leicester City and Chelsea.
“It’s been difficult for Michael,” continued Fleming.
“He missed the whole of pre-season, which anyone that has played football knows it takes such a long time to get back up to speed after that.
“He’s slowly getting there and has picked up the odd knock here and there, but we’ve been pleased with his progress so far.”
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