Merson and Sutton make Fulham vs Tottenham predictions

A look at the pundit predictions for the London clash between Fulham and Tottenham.

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Fulham and Tottenham face off in a London derby on Sunday, and the pressure will be on for one of these two teams at Craven Cottage. Things are going well for Fulham, who are three points off the European spots after a big away win over Sunderland last time out.

But it is a very different story for Tottenham, who are currently just four points above the bottom three and with new interim boss Igor Tudor getting off to a nightmare start. Tudor saw his new team thrashed by rivals Arsenal last weekend, and it feels as though there is a recipe for disaster in the mix.

Tudor and Spurs must rip up that recipe and put relegation worries behind them with a positive run of results, but Fulham will be a tough nut to crack, especially at the Cottage. Ahead of the game, we have rounded up the predictions from BBC Sport’s Chris Sutton and SportsKeeda’s Paul Merson.

Paul Merson

“I've played a lot of derbies against Tottenham and seen many of these matches after I left Arsenal. In terms of the gulf between the two teams, I've not seen anything like the past two games! That's what worries me about Spurs. I don't expect them to be relegated, but they are 100 per cent involved in the race with Forest and West Ham. I'd be shocked if they went down. They have the best stadium in the Premier League. Imagine that venue hosting Championship matches.

“If Tottenham had Chelsea's fixtures until the end of the season, they would be relegated! And if Chelsea had Spurs' fixtures, they would qualify for Champions League. So at least Tottenham have the kind of fixtures where they can play their way out of this mess.

“I don't see anything but a Fulham win here. I just don't see how Tottenham turn it around in this game. London derby, massive pressure on Spurs. I think Fulham playing without any pressure will help them win. Prediction: Fulham 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur.”

Chris Sutton

“The Tudor times have not started well for Tottenham under Igor Tudor. It's been a classic case of a manager coming in and being bullish in his first press conference, saying he is 100% sure they will stay up - then losing his first game and letting loose on the previous manager, saying things like the players aren't fit.

“I thought it was an astonishing attack on Thomas Frank, because by saying Spurs' players are "a good group with bad habits", Tudor is totally blaming him for everything. We know Tudor is a short-term specialist but what does that actually mean about him as a manager? It is OK going in and shoring clubs up for a few games, but why does he keep losing his job after that?

“I don't think this is an easy game for him after his side were outclassed in the north London derby. Fulham won well at Sunderland last time out and they look full of confidence. Their home record is good and they've already beaten Spurs once this season - there's a good chance they will beat them again. Prediction: 2-1.”