Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson believes that Tottenham Hotspur are in for a tough match against West Ham United.
The Hammers travel to the new Tottenham Hotspur Stadium for tomorrow’s early Premier League kick-off.
While the vast majority of Spurs fans will consider Arsenal to be their most hated rivals while for West Ham this is their cup final.
Merson believes that Spurs will not be able to afford to pick up any fresh injury concerns during the London derby with Harry Kane, Serge Aurier, Harry Winks, Harry Kane and Erik Lamela all ruled out (Spurs Official Twitter) and are back in action on Tuesday when Ajax are the visitors for the first leg of the Champions League semi final.
Following a run of five consecutive home league clean sheets against West Ham, Spurs have conceded in each of their last six at home against the Hammers in the Premier League – something they will want to avoid to give them the bragging rights of being the first side to find the back of the net at the new 62,062 capacity seater stadium.
Merson told Sky Sports: “It’ll be hard for Tottenham, with one eye on next week, they’ve got to. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime thing, in my opinion. With the scores across the last week, they’re only a win away from the top four. But they can’t afford any injuries before the Ajax game.
“You just don’t know what you’re going to get with West Ham. They are the Premier League bag of revels. One minute they have to score four to beat Huddersfield, then get ripped up by Everton at home, then go to United and nearly win. It’s a strange one.
“Prediction: 2-1.”
A win for Spurs would certainly act as a catalyst ahead of the crucial Champions League clash on Tuesday. Heung-min Son will be looking to make an impression considering he is serving a one-match suspension for the visit of Ajax.
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