Writers Prediction League: Tottenham Hotspur vs. Southampton

Out. Today marks Tottenham Hotspur's first game of the season with nothing to play for after falling out of both the Europa League and the hunt for top-4 last week. The last eight games of the season now become a proving ground for Tottenham's players, aiming to show that they should be big parts of Spurs going forward (or parlaying their play into a move elsewhere). Will pride push Spurs to finish the season strong, or will the team wilt as the season ends?

In the way this weak is a visit from Southampton. The Saints sit in 9th place on 45 points, as Mauricio Pochettino's side has strengthened in their first full season under the gaffer. Rickie Lambert has remained the team's star player, while Jay Rodriguez has become a key goal scorer for Southampton. Adam Lallana remains a bright creative talent while Luke Shaw and Dejan Lovren marshall the defense

As for the Prediction League, Sleep retook the lead after predicting Spurs' loss to Arsenal. The rules remain the same in the Prediction League--one point for a correct prediction and a bonus point for getting the score correct. Here are the current standings:

This week's predictions:

Ed: 2-0 Spurs

Uncle Menno: Whatever, I don't give a shit, basketball's on. 45-3 Spurs.

Kevin: lol nothing matters. As long as Eriksen and Chadli both start I'm actually kinda confident. 2-1 Spurs.

Mechanick: Chadli stays en fuego. 1-0 Spurs

Ryan: We only carry sizes one, three and five. You could try Sears. 2-2 Draw.

Bryan A.: I think it's highly unlikely that I win this stupid prediction competition. Michael could probably give you my exact percentage chance of victory. Screw it. 4-0 Spurs.

The Roosevelts: BREAKING: in four years we will sell Kane, Chadli, and Eriksen for a shitload of money and we are all going to cry. 3-1 Spurs

Lennon's Eyebrow: It's fun how they make us keep playing even though the season's over. 2-1 Spurs.

Petrilli: 2-1 Spurs. Joe Lewis sells the club to Rupert Murdoch, completing our journey through hell.

Michael Caley: 2-1 Spurs. But seriously, the next step in the Tactics Tim experience is beyond human means to predict.

The Sleeper's Sleep:

Yes you can. Spurs 2-0

Skipjack: 3-1 Spurs, because whatever the hell