Mark Lawrenson has predicted that Tottenham will be held to a 1-1 draw when they take on Burnley at Turf Moor on Saturday afternoon.
Spurs are in fine form at the moment, winning their last five matches in all competitions, including a 3-0 win against Borussia Dortmund last Wednesday.
However, Lawrenson does not see Harry Kane featuring against Burnley this weekend, and he reckons that Sean Dyche’s defence will prove to be too resolute for the North London club.
“It is great news for Tottenham that Harry Kane is back in training, although I would be surprised if he is thrown straight back in for this game,” Lawrenson said on the BBC Sport website.
“Spurs are on a good run, and have shown they do not rely on the England striker, but I see this trip as a very tough test for them.
“I have been very impressed with Burnley in recent weeks. They are unbeaten in the league since Boxing Day, and their performances have been as good as their results.
“A big improvement in the Clarets’ defence has played a big part in that and I don’t think they will give much away on Saturday either.”
OPINION
Even without Kane, Spurs have been in impressive form and while you have to give credit to Burnley, their defence is still no match for Mauricio Pochettino’s attack. Son Heung-min has been a revelation this season. Spurs fans always knew how good he was but the South Korea international has really moved up the gears this season and calls for him to win the player of the year award are well justified. Kane is unlikely to get much game-time in this fixture, especially because Pochettino won’t want to risk him ahead of some big upcoming games. That does not mean that Tottenham won’t beat Burnley, even if they are unbeaten in the league since Boxing Day. Spurs should win this one but it could be a low-scoring 1-0 win for the London club. Dyche’s side will be hard to play against but Tottenham will find an opening at one stage or another.