OPINION
Many Tottenham fans will no doubt be licking their lips as Paul Merson claimed there was a way for them to get back into the race for the Premier League title.
While many pundits believe that Spurs are already a contender to win England’s top division this season, Merson has avoided saying they can win it.
Given Merson’s Arsenal connections, you feel that perhaps admitting that Spurs are still in the title race at this stage is difficult and that is what is causing him to hold out about backing them.
Yet in his prediction for Spurs’ clash with Burnley, Merson lays out a path for Poch’s side to get themselves back in contention.
The pundit claims that if Spurs beat Sean Dyche’s side and Liverpool fail to defeat Manchester United, then they have a chance of winning the league in Merson’s opinion.
“Tottenham could get back in the title race if they win this game and Liverpool don’t beat Manchester United,” wrote Merson for Sky Sports.
“If Liverpool beat United, then I don’t think Spurs are in it – I think it’s too many points – but if they win this and Liverpool don’t win, then they are in it because they still have to play Liverpool.
“I don’t think Burnley will go down. They have enough know-how, they are on a good run and they are hard to beat. However, I fancy Spurs to win this game.”
Spurs should be able to overcome 15th-placed Burnley, just like Merson goes on to predict, as they have more than enough quality in their squad to do so as well and their recent form is very good.
Also it’s very realistic that Liverpool could fail to beat Manchester United – it will likely prove to be a tough game for them given the clubs’ history and the recent resurgence in form under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
Man United have looked like a completely different outfit since he took over as manager and with the game at Old Trafford, they’ll be looking to keep their unbeaten domestic record under the Norwegian intact.
Many Tottenham supporters will be licking their lips at the prospect of getting themselves right back in the title race.