Tottenham Hotspur have incurred a mixed week after it started with another mid-performance in the defeat against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park Stadium last Sunday; however, Ange Postecoglou‘s side made a splendid comeback when the North Londoners enjoyed a morale-picking win against Manchester City in the mid-week in the Carabao Cup.
The performance against the Premier League champions meant that Spurs remain in contention for all trophies for the 2024/25 campaign.
Merson Warns Spurs of Villa Threat
And following that confidence booster on Wednesday, Spurs will be looking to make their Premier League record right when they face Aston Villa in the upcoming Sunday. While Ange will be under pressure to get things right, Unai Emery has proven to be a manager worthy of giving head aches to the best of teams in the English top tier since he took over the Villans.
This fixture represented that fourth-place fight in the previous campaign, and the North Londoners would be looking to take every advantage if Ange is to find himself in a similar position going into the conclusive game weeks of the ongoing campaign.
And speaking about the game, Paul Merson insists that the outcome at White Hart Lane this weekend will shape up the Christmas period for both sides. He insists that it would be a big blow for Spurs Champions League qualification credentials if they were to lose against Aston Villa on Sunday.
Speaking about his predictions around the game for London World, Paul Merson said:
“I thought it was a really bad result for Aston Villa when they lost to Crystal Palace in the Carabao Cup during midweek. I know they play in the Champions League and compete well in the Premier League, but they should also look to win the cup.
“That exit would have definitely been disappointing for Villa. I’m still going to back them to beat Tottenham though.
Villa’s high line could face problems against Spurs, but I just can’t see them not scoring in this game. It’s going to be a big blow for Tottenham in their attempt to qualify for the Champions League if they lose this game. Villa can open up an eight-point gap over Spurs if they win and that may well be curtains for the north Londoners’ hopes about finishing fourth. I just think Villa have a bit more in them than Tottenham and fully expect them to win here.
Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Aston Villa.”
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It is a little too early to speak about the end-of-season standings at this point, though that being said, what is your final score prediction for the weekend’s fixture? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.