BBC football pundit Mark Lawrenson has had his say on what he believes will be the outcome of the fixture between Cardiff City and Tottenham Hotspur.
Both sides are desperate to secure victory for contrasting reasons in the Premier League table.
Cardiff currently sit three points above the relegation zone, while anything less than a win for Mauricio Pochettino’s side would have disastrous consequences in their fading title hopes.
Spurs will be looking to show a much-improved performance compared to the second half showing against Wolves that saw them go down 3-1 at Wembley last time out, but face a confident Cardiff who won at Leicester City.
Harry Kane has scored 15 goals in his last 11 away Premier League matches against newly promoted teams for Spurs and will be looking to kick off 2019 by finding the back of the net.
Lawrenson believes that Spurs will put the surprise Wolves result behind them with a win in Wales.
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He told BBC Sport: “I was listening to Tottenham v Wolves on 5 live, but switched the commentary off at half-time thinking the home side would win. They didn’t, obviously, but we should focus on the fact Spurs came into the match having won five on the spin.
“Are the London club paying for not spending in the summer? I don’t think so. Until Saturday they were second in the league. Of course, from Tuesday they have the chance of bringing in someone if they wish.
“Mauricio Pochettino’s side don’t have too many negative “wow” results – they usually comfortably beat teams outside the top six, so they should win in Wales.
“What Cardiff have shown this season is they can hang on in there. If they lose a couple of games it doesn’t change their philosophy – they just keep going.
“Manager Neil Warnock has been open and vocal about looking to bring players in, and I think they’ve given themselves a chance of staying up.
“Lawro’s prediction: 0-2.”
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