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Tottenham Hotspur fans will be encouraged by Paul Merson’s prediction for Newcastle United’s clash with West Ham United as the relegation battle continues to swing from one twist to another.

The fight to stay in the Premier League is now between Tottenham Hotspur and fellow London rivals West Ham United.

The two sides have been locked in this battle in recent weeks, with Spurs currently just above the relegation zone and two points clear of the Hammers.

That lead could have been four had Spurs taken advantage of the Hammers’ slip-up last time out against Arsenal, but Tottenham themselves stumbled in their game against Leeds, drawing 1-1.

Paul Merson offers Tottenham boost with Newcastle United vs West Ham United prediction

Heading into the latest round of fixtures, there could be further twists at the bottom of the table depending on how results go.

A West Ham win and a Tottenham defeat would see the Lilywhites head into the final game in 18th place. However, a Hammers defeat and a Spurs draw or win would effectively bring the battle for survival to an end, as Tottenham would be mathematically safe.

Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has now given his score prediction for West Ham’s game with Newcastle this weekend, speaking via Sportskeeda, with the pundit suggesting a difficult afternoon for the Hammers.

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Introducing his view on the fixture, Merson explained the pressure on West Ham while highlighting Newcastle United’s strong home advantage at St James’ Park.

“This is Newcastle’s last home game of the season and I expect them to beat West Ham. It’s not entirely bad news for West Ham because I can’t see Tottenham beating Chelsea. So West Ham are not out of the race to avoid the drop and it will go down to the last day of the season,” he said.

He also added further context on why the atmosphere could play a key role in the outcome of the match.

“This is a nightmare game for West Ham. Even though Newcastle are down in 13th, the crowd at St James Park will be up for it,” he added.

Prediction: Newcastle United 2-0 West Ham United

Paul Merson: Relegation battle set to go down to the final day

Spurs Web has since reported that Newcastle United’s turnaround in form could work in Tottenham Hotspur’s favour as they continue their fight to stay in the Premier League.

However, if Newcastle do lend a helping hand, Tottenham must still complete their own task and get a result against Chelsea.

Paul Merson, though, does not believe Spurs will take anything from the match against the Blues, with the former Arsenal man tipping a defeat for Tottenham.

Writing in his Sportskeeda column while predicting the Chelsea versus Spurs game, he said: “I’m going for a Chelsea win because this is their cup final every season! A lot of Chelsea fans would rather win against Tottenham on Tuesday than beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final! Or I should say most Chelsea fans are in the middle of feeling this way, let us put it that way.

“I say that because the last thing they need is Tottenham staying up in the Premier League with a result at Stamford Bridge. No Chelsea fan would want to witness that.

“Roberto De Zerbi has certainly improved Spurs. They will be confident in this game, especially since Chelsea are involved in the FA Cup this weekend. Tottenham may only need a point here, if West Ham end up losing to Newcastle. But like I said earlier, I see this relegation battle going down to the last day of the season.

“Chelsea win and a clean sheet. I don’t even know why I’m backing Chelsea to keep a clean sheet, but it is what it is!”

Prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur

Should events unfold as he predicts, the battle for survival would go down to the final weekend of the season.

Tottenham Hotspur fans will be relieved after the Premier League announced which referee will take charge of their London derby against Chelsea next week.

Tottenham fans are still reeling from what happened on Monday night, with some big decisions going against Spurs in their 1-1 draw against Leeds.

The most controversial call was the one to deny James Maddison a late penalty when he appeared to have been brought down by Lukas Nmecha deep into stoppage time.

The Tottenham midfielder has blasted the officials after his appeals for a spot-kick were waved off by Jarred Gillett, and new evidence has shown Spurs were unlucky not to get a penalty.

Stuart Attwell has been put in charge of Chelsea v Tottenham

The Premier League have now confirmed that Stuart Attwell will take charge of Tottenham’s clash at Stamford Bridge, with Constantine Hatzidakis and Nick Greenhalgh named as his assistants.

Andy Madley will be the fourth official for the London derby, while VAR and Assistant VAR for the match have been announced as John Brooks and Dan Robathan, respectively.

According to Transfermarkt, Tottenham have a good record in the games overseen by Attwell, having won 16 of the 26 matches he has officiated, while losing just five.

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The 43-year-old official has shown 48 yellow cards to Spurs players across those 26 matches, but he has never sent off a Tottenham player.

Attwell has already officiated De Zerbi’s Spurs

This is not the first time that the experienced official has been put in charge of Roberto De Zerbi’s Tottenham.

Attwell was the man in the middle during Spurs’ 2-2 draw against Brighton on April 18, which was the Italian’s first home game in charge of the Lilywhites.

While that game was played in good spirits and saw just three yellow cards in total, things may be very different at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.

Football finance expert Stefan Borsen has explained what Tottenham Hotspur are planning to do this summer ahead of Roberto De Zerbi’s first full season in charge.

The prospect of being relegated from the Premier League for the first time in nearly 50 years is still very much alive for Spurs, who sit just two points clear of West Ham in 18th with two games to go.

Tottenham will be in the drop zone when they take to the field at Stamford Bridge if the Hammers can win at St James’ Park this Sunday.

However, De Zerbi is staying positive about Spurs’ survival prospects, with the Italian pointing out after his side’s 1-1 draw with Leeds that their situation is much better than it was a few weeks ago.

Tottenham prepared to invest substantially in their squad this summer

Reports over the last few weeks have indicated that Spurs are making two different plans for the summer window, depending on whether they stay up or go down.

Finance expert, Stefan Borsen, has now claimed that Tottenham are prepared to change the way they operate in the transfer window should they avoid the drop, backing the Lilywhites to spend ‘substantially’ this summer.

Borsen told Football Insider: “Spurs will invest substantially if they do stay up. I would think this summer you will see a marked difference from the way that they’ve dealt with things before. They will spend more money on higher wages and more money in transfer fees.”

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De Zerbi is expected to have a big say on Spurs’ rebuild

De Zerbi is one of the highest-paid managers in the Premier League, having put pen to paper on a five-year contract with the North London club.

That is certainly a big vote of confidence from the club in the Italian, and they are reportedly prepared to listen to his guidance in rebuilding the squad.

It is getting progressively harder for Tottenham Hotspur to deliver Roberto De Zerbi’s preference of signing Joao Palhinha permanently this summer.

De Zerbi has made it clear that he wants Palhinha at Spurs next season, after the midfielder delivered vital contributions over recent weeks in the Lilywhites’ fight for survival.

However, Tottenham’s efforts to land the midfielder could be thwarted by the 30-year-old’s former club, if reports over recent days are to be believed.

It has emerged that Sporting Lisbon are set to challenge Spurs for Palhinha’s signature, with the Portuguese club keen to bring their former academy graduate back where he started his career.

‘Growing possibility’ that Joao Palhinha could snub Tottenham transfer

A new report in TEAMtalk has now claimed that the midfielder has already been informed that there is a place for him at Tottenham next season.

The report states that De Zerbi is a ‘huge admirer’ of Palhinha’s experience, tactical discipline and leadership qualities.

The Spurs head coach has already made it clear to the Tottenham hierarchy that he wants the former Fulham man to remain at N17.

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However, the outlet states that Sporting CB are ‘extremely interested’ in re-signing Palhinha and view him as ‘an ideal figure’ to bolster their midfield.

The report adds that there ‘remains a growing possibility’ that the midfielder could now consider a return to his homeland this summer.

Two other clubs have also entered the race to land Palhinha

TEAMtalk allege that Sporting are not alone in expressing interest in the Tottenham man, with Benfica and Porto also monitoring the player’s situation closely ahead of the summer window.

All three clubs are said to believe that Palhinha could become available under the right circumstances and would welcome a return to his home country.

Over the coming weeks, the 30-year-old is expected to ‘assess all options carefully’ as interest from Portugal intensifies.

Tottenham youngster Mikey Moore has just sent a big hint over whether he will return to Rangers on loan next season or stay at Spurs.

After an extremely challenging start to his spell at Ibrox, Moore has come into his own in the second half of the season and has arguably been the Gers’ most consistent attacker.

The teenager has showcased the potential that many at Hotspur Way always knew he had, and Spurs fans are excited about what the winger can achieve under Roberto De Zerbi next season.

Moore has never hidden his long-term ambitions of becoming a regular at Tottenham, and he has now sent a big hint ahead of next season.

Mikey Moore hints he may stay at Tottenham next season

Over the last couple of months, the teenager has admitted that he would love to return to Glasgow next season after enjoying his spell at the club.

However, ahead of the club’s final game of the season against Falkirk, the Tottenham academy graduate has sent a big hint that this may be his last game in Rangers colours.

Moore said (via Rangers’ official X handle): “Mixed emotions for the game tomorrow, it is not the position we wanted to be in, but it is my last game. For me, I have so much love for everyone. I understand the way people feel, and I have tried to give my all for the club. This club has been a huge part of who I am going to become. I am a fan of this club for the rest of my life.

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“The backing that this club has, there needs to be a few changes, but there is a base there to go and make a mark. Obviously, we need to win the league and Europe, but it is there. There is a new manager at Spurs at the moment. Obviously, I am a Spurs player, so I will go back and continue to work hard.”

Moore reveals his favourite moment from his Rangers stint

The Tottenham youngster has won the Young Player of the Year award in Scotland for his impressive displays this term.

However, rather than picking an individual moment as his favourite, he revealed that his fondest memory is the win in the Old Firm derby at Celtic Park.

The youngster added: “The key highlight for me was winning at Celtic Park. Seeing the fans there and coming back to Ibrox were huge memories for me. I will miss the fans the most. I have never felt love as much as I have felt here. It is nice to get that recognition that I have here. It is the best support I have ever seen personally, and they deserve more.”

Tottenham Hotspur want to sign one of Europe’s most prolific centre-forwards, but they may have to pay more than his release clause.

Reports indicate that Randal Kolo Muani is not expecting to be at Tottenham next season after flattering to deceive across his loan spell in North London.

Multiple sources indicate that Spurs are also prepared to cash in on Richarlison, even though he is the club’s top scorer this season with 11 strikes across all competitions so far.

The Lilywhites may thus prioritise adding a top-class number nine to their squad this summer, and they have set their sights on an experienced Bundesliga star.

Tottenham plotting move for Serhou Guirassy

It was first reported back in March that Spurs have set their sights on Borussia Dortmund star Serhou Guirassy, who has been one of the most prolific centre-forwards in Europe over the last three years.

A new report in FussballDaten has now confirmed that Spurs are exploring a move for the 30-year-old, who has found the back of the net 21 times this term.

The report says that De Zerbi’s men want to land a clinical finisher with physicality, with Guirassy emerging as a ‘serious option’ to lead their line next season.

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In fact, Tottenham view the Guinea international as an ‘ideal’ striker for their system, but they are not the only ones tracking the player, with Juventus and AC Milan also fans of the Dortmund man.

Spurs cannot activate Guirassy’s release clause

FussballDaten backs up what other sources have reported by stating that the former Stuttgart man’s release clause stands at €50m (£43.2m).

However, the outlet says that only elite clubs can activate the release clause, with others needing to pay a significantly higher fee to convince Dortmund to sell.

Tottenham Hotspur fans will be concerned by Paul Merson’s latest score prediction ahead of the north London club’s clash with Chelsea.

Many Tottenham Hotspur fans are well aware of their club’s struggles at the Bridge, with Spurs having managed just one win there throughout their history.

But if they are to give themselves a chance of beating the drop to the Championship this season, Tottenham must get a result at their rivals’ home.

Of course, given the current form of the two sides, Spurs may well fancy their chances as Chelsea remain winless in their last seven Premier League outings.

Paul Merson predicts Chelsea vs Tottenham result

Ahead of the game between Chelsea and Tottenham, Paul Merson has now sent in his score prediction for the Premier League clash.

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Speaking about the fixture, Merson explained why he believes Chelsea will edge the contest, while also admitting Spurs have improved under Roberto De Zerbi. The former Arsenal man shared his thoughts with Sportskeeda.

He said, “I’m going for a Chelsea win because this is their cup final every season! A lot of Chelsea fans would rather win against Tottenham on Tuesday than beat Manchester City in the FA Cup final! Or I should say most Chelsea fans are in the middle of feeling this way, let us put it that way.

“I say that because the last thing they need is Tottenham staying up in the Premier League with a result at Stamford Bridge. No Chelsea fan would want to witness that.

“Roberto De Zerbi has certainly improved Spurs. They will be confident in this game, especially since Chelsea are involved in the FA Cup this weekend. Tottenham may only need a point here, if West Ham end up losing to Newcastle. But like I said earlier, I see this relegation battle going down to the last day of the season.

“Chelsea win and a clean sheet. I do not even know why I am backing Chelsea to keep a clean sheet, but it is what it is!”

Prediction: Chelsea 2-0 Tottenham Hotspur.

Tottenham cannot afford a Stamford Bridge defeat

Merson’s prediction, should it play out in real time, will spell disaster for Tottenham Hotspur depending on how results elsewhere unfold.

Should Spurs lose and West Ham beat Newcastle United, then Tottenham will head into their final game against Everton in the relegation zone.

That sort of result would take Spurs’ destiny out of their hands, significantly damaging their chances of survival.

Former West Ham United midfielder Jack Wilshere has now given his prediction on which side is most likely to be relegated this season between Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United.

Tottenham Hotspur’s 1-1 draw with Leeds United on Monday leaves the battle for survival very much open, as two points remain the difference between the Lilywhites and the Hammers.

Had Tottenham Hotspur managed a win, a four-point lead would have been opened up, reducing some of the pressure heading into the final games of the season.

With everything still to play for, the next few games remain absolutely vital for both sides. Spurs face Chelsea next, while West Ham take on Newcastle United.

Tottenham will be desperate to avoid defeat in their own encounter as, should that happen and West Ham win, the Lilywhites will head into the final game of the season in the drop zone.

Jack Wilshere predicts Tottenham and West Ham relegation outcome

Former West Ham midfielder Jack Wilshere has now given his prediction on which of the London sides is likely to get relegated this season.

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The former Premier League midfielder gave an unbiased assessment of the situation while speaking to talkSPORT, where he admitted he believes Spurs are currently in a stronger position.

“I’d say West Ham. I’d say Tottenham are favourites to stay up at the moment,” Wilshere said via talkSPORT.

Spurs handed survival boost after Opta prediction

Wilshere is not the only one to believe that Spurs will avoid the drop this season. Opta’s supercomputer has also delivered its prediction on the side most likely to go down.

The AI has handed Tottenham a relatively low 13.35 per cent chance of joining Burnley and Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Championship next season.

Meanwhile, West Ham have been handed an 86.65 per cent chance of going down with two games left to play in the Premier League.

Roberto De Zerbi may be able to recall a Tottenham star he has lavished praise on for his side’s trip to Chelsea.

De Zerbi will get his first taste of a London derby next Tuesday as the Lilywhites travel to Stamford Bridge, with their Premier League status on the line.

Tottenham would need a result in West London to move out of the bottom three if the Hammers win at St James Park on Sunday.

While Spurs have a horrid record at Chelsea, the Blues have not won a league game for over two months and will be in FA Cup action just three days before hosting their London rivals.

Dominic Solanke could return for Tottenham against Chelsea

Dominic Solanke has missed Tottenham’s last two matches against Aston Villa and Leeds after coming off injured in their 1-0 win at Wolves last month.

The Standard have now claimed that the England international could be in line to return for the big clash next Tuesday after overcoming his hamstring issue.

De Zerbi has described Solanke as one of the best strikers in the Premier League, and he will thus be delighted to have the former Bournemouth man leading the line for his side in West London.

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Uncertainty regarding Guglielmo Vicario’s rehabilitation

None of Tottenham’s long-term injury absentees are close to being back, with Cristian Romero, Xavi Simons, Mohammed Kudus, Ben Davies, Dejan Kulusevski and Wilson Odobert ruled out for the rest of the season.

The Standard says that Guglielmo Vicario’s return date remains unknown after the goalkeeper underwent surgery on his hernia back in March.

Tottenham Hotspur’s loan plans for Kota Takai have not gone to plan this season, with the centre-back struggling with the demands of European football.

With the season currently drawing to a close, several of Tottenham Hotspur’s loan stars will soon be preparing to return to N17.

A lot has certainly changed since many of those players were sent out on loan, particularly those who departed during the summer transfer window.

Spurs have since undergone a series of managerial changes, with Thomas Frank, Igor Tudor and now Roberto De Zerbi all taking charge at different stages of the campaign.

Frank was the manager responsible for sending most of the players out on loan during the summer, and we have now decided to take a closer look at how one young Tottenham player, Kota Takai, is getting on in Germany.

Tottenham youngster Kota Takai struggling for minutes in Germany

The Japanese international joined Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach on loan during the winter transfer window.

Unfortunately, it has not been the ideal spell for the former J-League player, with injuries disrupting his progress.

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Since moving to Germany, Takai has made just eight appearances for Monchengladbach and has played only four minutes of football since February after suffering a muscle strain and struggling to break back into the side.

His lack of minutes continued at the weekend as he remained an unused substitute during Monchengladbach’s 3-1 defeat at Augsburg.

It now appears increasingly unlikely that he will feature again this season, with Monchengladbach set to conclude their campaign at home to Hoffenheim on Saturday, although Takai will still hope for some involvement.

Spurs must decide next step for Kota Takai

Once Takai returns to north London, Tottenham will need to decide on the next stage of his development.

There is a possibility he could remain at Spurs next season, particularly if the club are relegated and loses some of their key centre-backs.

However, if Tottenham avoid the drop and begins rebuilding under Roberto De Zerbi, Takai could struggle for regular minutes in N17.