BBC football pundit Mark Lawrenson has shared his prediction ahead of Tottenham Hotspur’s Premier League opener against Everton.
Jose Mourinho begins his first full campaign in charge of the North London outfit after taking up the position following Mauricio Pochettino’s sacking in November.
Spurs will be looking to improve upon last season’s disappointing sixth placed finish while Everton ended the campaign in twelfth place.
The Portuguese has been active in the transfer market having brought in Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Joe Hart and Matt Doherty while the Toffees have also done business with the acquisitions of Abdoulaye Doucoure, James Rodriguez and Allan
Lawrenson believes that Tottenham will get off to a winning start in the curtain raiser but warned that Mourinho’s men will finish outside of the top four for the second successive season.
Spurs last faced Everton at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium back in July when a Michael Keane own goal proved to be enough to separate both sides.
He told BBC Sport online: “Everton’s midfield is starting to look seriously impressive after Carlo Ancelotti’s recent recruitment drive, but they still look short of firepower.
MORE SPURS STORIES
“Tottenham are also taking shape under Jose Mourinho and they have done good business over the summer too. I still think they need a proper back-up for Harry Kane, though.
“I’d go with Spurs to edge this one, but I don’t see either team making the top four this season.
“Lawro’s prediction: 2-1.”
Keep up to date with all the latest Tottenham news and opinion by following SpursWeb’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts.
