While predicting the result of Tottenham’s clash against Southampton, Paul Merson added that Newcastle and Brighton would be the North London club’s biggest competitors for the fourth spot rather than Liverpool.
Two weeks ago, it appeared as if the Reds had all the momentum in the race for fourth following their 7-0 thumping of Manchester United.
However, the picture shifted again last weekend as Liverpool fell to a 1-0 loss at the Vitality Stadium and Spurs got back to winning ways against Nottingham Forest to tighten their grip on the fourth spot.
The Lilywhites now have a great opportunity to leapfrog Manchester United to third place with a win at bottom-placed Southampton on Saturday.
Merson has said that he expects Tottenham to emerge with all three points from St Mary’s, backing Harry Kane to make the difference for Antonio Conte’s men.
The former Arsenal man suggested that Spurs have a ‘fantastic’ chance of qualifying for the Champions League again, given Liverpool’s and Chelsea’s struggles this season.
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The pundit told Sportskeeda: “Southampton have to start winning games and getting three points against Tottenham would do them a world of good.
“They got a deserved draw against Manchester United and even managed to beat Leicester City, but they went and lost 2-0 to Brentford at home to bring them back to square one.
“I fancy Tottenham to win this one, with Harry Kane emerging as the difference-maker on the night.
“Spurs have a fantastic chance of securing a top-four finish and I feel Brighton and Newcastle will be their biggest challengers as Liverpool and Chelsea simply haven’t been good enough this season.”
Prediction: Southampton 0-2 Tottenham Hotspur.
Spurs Web Opinion
Despite Southampton being at the bottom of the table, I am certainly not confident going into the game as our form away from home has left a lot to be desired over the last month and a half.
Given our defensive frailties, we might have to score three to come away with all three points.
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