Tottenham vs Southampton prediction and odds: Harry Kane backed to score brace

Tottenham Hotspur could well be the dark horse this season as Antonio Conte looks to build on his side's late success of securing Champions League football last season as they prepare for their season opener against Southampton. Spurs have invested strongly in the transfer window with some pundits tipping them as outsiders in the title race.

Spurs are the favourites for the home tie at 4/11 while Southampton are 8/1 and a draw is 9/2 with Betfred. This will be the fourth time Tottenham have opened a league campaign against the south coast club winning two and drawing one in the other three. However, all three were in Hampshire.

Conte will be happy in this transfer window as he has bolstered his squad incredibly well. He has ticked the home-grown quota in signing Fraser Forster and young defender Djed Spence while welcoming Richarlison, Yves Bissouma, Clement Lenglet and Ivan Perisic to north London - providing depth and quality to a wide range of positions which is essential with European football in the mix.

For the Saints, they have consistently finished just a few places above the relegation zone despite great spells in form in the league under Ralph Hasenhuttl. However, last season they only picked up nine wins from their 38 matches which many fans will be expecting an improvement and there are signs of that improvement by bringing in at least six signings in the summer including the likes of Joe Aribo.

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This will be the 132nd meeting between the two sides with Spurs picking up 59 wins, 32 draws and 40 defeats in all competitions. In the league, this will be 119th meeting between the clubs with Spurs picking up 54 wins, 28 draws and 36 defeats