Paul Merson has predicted that Tottenham’s trip to Aston Villa in the Premier League could be a ‘banana skin’ in the club’s chase for a place in the top four.
Spurs travel to Villa Park on Saturday in good spirits on the back of a 5-1 win over Newcastle last week, which elevated them into the Champions League places over rivals Arsenal.
The Gunners, meanwhile, failed to reclaim fourth place after stumbling to defeat at Crystal Palace on Monday night, with Spurs now boasting a superior goal difference.
Antonio Conte’s men could consolidate their position by making it a fourth win in a row with victory over Villa, who themselves have slumped to defeat in each of their last three matches.
But Merson feels the encounter will be a tough one for Spurs, despite the strong recent form of Harry Kane, and is siding with a draw in the Midlands.
He wrote for Sportskeeda: “This game could turn out to be Spurs’ banana skin in their pursuit of a top-four spot as Aston Villa will definitely give them a game.
“Unlike last week, Arsenal can win their game and put pressure on their cross-town rivals, so Spurs will be up against it if the Gunners pick up three points against Brighton.
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“If Antonio Conte and co win this, though, I would start worrying for Arsenal and their top-four hopes. I get the feeling that this could end all square, so I’m going for a 1-1 draw.
“Harry Kane has been one of the best players in world football this calendar year – the bloke is a different class. He’s an all-round package, I don’t know anyone else who can play like him. If he’s up for it, then there’s only one way this game will pan out.”
Prediction: Aston Villa 1-1 Tottenham Hotspur
Spurs Web Opinion
It will be a tricky one for Spurs, despite both sides’ contrasting runs of Premier League form of late. The way they have been playing under Conte should give them enough confidence ahead of any game but, obviously, the dangers will always be there in a league like this.
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