Paul Merson has intimated that he doesn’t believe Harry Kane will be at his very best for Tottenham Hotspur against Aston Villa on Saturday evening.
Bizarrely, the Tottenham hitman did not get on the scoresheet in Spurs’ 5-1 demolition of Newcastle United last weekend.
However, it was still an excellent all-round display from the 28-year-old, who set up one of the Lilywhites’ goals.
Nevertheless, he has been in sensational form under Antonio Conte for much of 2022, with Merson admitting that the ‘bloke is different class’.
Merson also suggested that if Kane was up for it then there’d be no stopping Tottenham from bringing a victory back from Aston Villa this weekend, but predicted a 1-1 draw to insinuate doubt about whether the England international will be unplayable.
He told Sportskeeda: “I get a feeling that this could end all square, so I’m going for a 1-1 draw.
Harry Kane has been one of the best players in world football in 2022 – the bloke is different class. He’s an all-round package, I don’t know anyone else who can play like him. If he’s up for it, then there’s only one way this game will pan out.”
There’s no doubt that this is a difficult game for Tottenham.
Then again, it’s the sort of game they absolutely must win if Conte’s side are to qualify for the Champions League for next season.
At the moment, the North Londoners are fourth in the Premier League and ahead of local rivals Arsenal – who have played one game less – on goal difference.
Winning away to Steven Gerrard’s side is difficult, but it’s the type of three points that a team with Champions League qualification aspirations should be getting through.
Merson is right – if Kane’s on top form, there’s very little the Villans can do.
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