Paul Merson predicts Tottenham vs Crystal Palace score as Spurs circle the drain
Paul Merson has delivered a worrying verdict for Tottenham Hotspur ahead of their latest must-win Premier League clash, with the north London side once again under mounting pressure.
Igor Tudor will be hoping it is third time lucky as he takes his Tottenham Hotspur side out on Thursday night to face Crystal Palace.
The Spurs interim manager has yet to taste victory in his short spell in charge, losing his first two games and conceding six goals in the process.
While those matches came against sides in the top half of the table, Thursday’s encounter sees Tottenham take on a Palace side sitting 14th, two places above them in the league.
Tottenham Hotspur vs Crystal Palace prediction as Paul Merson backs Palace
Many Spurs fans will be looking to back their side on Thursday at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium as they continue their fight against relegation, but Paul Merson believes Tottenham’s woes will continue against Oliver Glasner’s men.
Speaking in his column for Sportskeeda, Merson outlined why he cannot see Spurs winning and suggested Palace could take advantage.
He said: “I would have said Tottenham, but I saw Crystal Palace’s last few games and I think if they start well and get a goal early in this game, that will be it!
“I just cannot put my name against Tottenham. I do not see how they can win this football match. Spurs will not get relegated because they have decent fixtures coming up. But I am not sure they can start winning games straightaway.
“Forest and West Ham can sit back and try to get draws in their games. But because Tottenham are Tottenham, they are a big club and they have to go for the win in games. I have a feeling that this could play into Palace’s hands here.
“Palace went to Old Trafford and took the lead in that game. Ismaila Sarr and Brennan Johnson can hurt Spurs down the wings. It will be unbelievable if Tottenham lost this game. And it feels like we might just witness it!”
Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Crystal Palace.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 14 | Crystal PalaceCrystal Palace | 28 | 9 | 8 | 11 | 30 | 34 | -4 | 35 |
| 15 | LeedsLeeds | 28 | 7 | 10 | 11 | 37 | 47 | -10 | 31 |
| 16 | TottenhamTottenham | 28 | 7 | 8 | 13 | 38 | 43 | -5 | 29 |
| 17 | Nottingham ForestNottingham Forest | 28 | 7 | 6 | 15 | 26 | 41 | -15 | 27 |
| 18 | West HamWest Ham | 28 | 6 | 7 | 15 | 34 | 54 | -20 | 25 |
Spurs selection issues and tactical decisions under Igor Tudor
Coming into the match, Spurs are still dealing with injuries but could have Djed Spence back in action after he missed the Fulham clash due to a minor calf problem.
However, while several players remain sidelined, Tudor would do well to consider turning to the youngsters available in his squad as he searches for a reaction.
Spurs fans have called for Mathys Tel to start against Palace following his impressive cameo against Fulham. Tudor could also get more from his players if he uses them in their natural positions.
Of course, getting his team selection right will help him put up a fight against Palace and, hopefully, secure his first win as Spurs manager.
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