Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson tips Tottenham Hotspur to earn full three points against Crystal Palace.
Crystal Palace manager Sam Allardyce before the match
Tottenham Hotspur will take on Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Wednesday night at Selhurst Park.
The 4-2 defeat against Chelsea in the FA Cup semi-final on Saturday has disrupted Spurs’ momentum, and they will be looking to bounce back with a victory.
Tottenham are still four points behind Chelsea, and the gap could extend to seven points by the time they face Palace.
On the other hand, if Chelsea drop points against Southampton, Spurs will be highly motivated to snatch full three points and close the gap at the top.
Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson says Spurs are in a funny position at the moment and that this is a must win game for Mauricio Pochettino’s men.
Tottenham manager Mauricio Pochettino
Palace are heading into this match on the back of a 2-1 win over Liverpool at Anfield. The victory meant the Eagles have lost just one of their last eight games, claiming wins against the Reds, Chelsea, and Arsenal in the process.
Sam Allardyce’s team are one of the in-form teams at the moment, and they will be looking to provide a strong challenge for their London rivals.
Merson says that Palace have secured safety following their victory over Liverpool, and now play with confidence and no fear. He adds that Spurs have everything to lose but backs them to win because they are a very good side.
“If I get my prediction for Chelsea’s game right then this really is a must-win game for Mauricio Pochettino’s men,” said Merson to Skysports.com.
“Sam Allardyce has done a brilliant job with Palace. I can’t talk highly enough of the man. When he first got the job I didn’t think they had the real Sam Allardyce, I thought he was still coming to terms with the England situation. He lost his mojo a bit but he got into it.
“Palace got a superb result at Liverpool which means they are safe and they will go and play with confidence and no fear. Spurs have everything to lose but I have to back Tottenham because I think they are a very good team. They have been playing so well and that will continue at Selhurst Park.”
Merson predicts a 3-1 victory for Tottenham.
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