Paul Merson has made his prediction as Tottenham Hotspur make their first Premier League away trip to Man City this season, and he does not expect it to be an easy outing for Thomas Frank’s men.
Tottenham Hotspur will go again this Saturday, against Premier League leaders Manchester City. There is growing confidence in their defensive line, despite last season’s concerns. Cristian Romero has signed a new Tottenham contract and Thomas Frank appears to have made his team more balanced.
However, the problems Spurs encountered last season were not limited to their defending. They were unable to break down Manchester City’s defence when the sides last met in February and only scored once in their final three league matches of the campaign. Frank himself has already overseen a 0-0 draw against Luton Town in pre-season.
To make things worse, Thomas Frank has been left without a number 10. He actually wanted two attacking midfielders before the transfer window slammed shut, but as things stand, there is still a possibility he will not have any.
Paul Merson predicts no goals for Tottenham against Manchester City
Paul Merson has noted that a lot has changed since Ange Postecoglou brought his Tottenham team to the Etihad last season and recorded an incredible 4-0 victory. Frank is still early on in his journey to improve Spurs and one straightforward win against Burnley does not mean they are ready for this test.
Merson told Sportskeeda: “This is the first real test of the new season for Manchester City and Tottenham. I remember Spurs went to the Etihad last season and destroyed City! A lot has changed at both clubs since then, and this game will be a good watch.
“I still think Tottenham are a work-in-progress. You can’t get carried away by the win against Burnley. I don’t see them getting well beaten by City though; that’s not happening under Thomas Frank. Spurs will be disappointed about losing Eberechi Eze to Arsenal. Now they have to go put all their eggs in some other basket!
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“Erling Haaland looked sharp in the win over Wolves and as long as he’s fit, City will always be in the title race. But I don’t fancy the wingers at Pep Guardiola’s disposal. I’m not a big fan of Jeremy Doku. I just think he does not make things happen often enough. When Phil Foden is ready, I expect him to come back into the team and City’s front-three will look a lot stronger.
“I’m not as bullish as I was with my predictions in the past about this fixture. Frank will go there with a plan to stop City. I’m still backing Manchester City to win, but Spurs could have their moments.”
Merson’s Prediction: Manchester City 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur
Who are Spurs looking to sign before the transfer window closes?
Ending their transfer business without another signing is simply not an option for Tottenham if they wish to compete with teams who are likely to finish near the top of the Premier League table.
One name currently doing the rounds is Morgan Rogers, an excellent attacking midfielder who would be the club’s signing of the summer.
However, Spurs would have to pay a fee in excess of £80m for Rogers, which seems unlikely to happen after they failed to land Eberechi Eze. In fact, it was recently revealed that Nico Paz is Tottenham’s most achievable transfer target.
Whoever Tottenham attempt to sign, they must move swiftly to give Frank the players he needs. The fixtures will be coming in thick and fast soon enough and there has to be good quality across every position in the Tottenham first-team squad.