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Paul Merson has made his prediction for Tottenham Hotspur’s upcoming Premier League clash with Nottingham Forest, but the ex-Arsenal player has failed to explain why he expects the result he has gone for.

Tottenham Hotspur have finally found some form, with a draw at St James’ Park followed by recent victories over Brentford and Slavia Prague.

Critics will argue that this is not merely down to Thomas Frank and his team. Instead, it is due to the nature of the opponents they have faced.

However, even with this logic applied, Spurs should feel confident coming up against a Nottingham Forest side that sit 17th in the Premier League table.

Paul Merson predicts a Tottenham defeat to Forest

Paul Merson has made his weekly Premier League predictions and he has acknowledged how Spurs have improved in recent weeks.

He has been less positive about Nottingham Forest, describing the East Midlands outfit as ‘inconsistent’ in the top flight.

Despite this assessment, Merson has bizarrely predicted a defeat for Tottenham this weekend without giving his reasoning.

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He told Sportskeeda: “Nottingham Forest have become a bit inconsistent now. After that impressive win against Liverpool, Sean Dyche’s men have lost two out of their next three league games.

“Tottenham, on the other hand, have had consecutive wins at home. It’s a good sign if you’re a Spurs fan because they have struggled to get results on home turf this season.

“If they don’t get a result against Forest, Tottenham could end up staying in the bottom half of the table. But if they win and Chelsea lose, they have the chance to go above the Blues. That’s how tight it is in the points table now, madness when you think of it!”

Merson’s prediction: Nottingham Forest 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur

Spurs could rise up the Premier League table with a victory

If Merson is correct, Tottenham could finish the weekend as low as 13th. However, a win over Nottingham Forest could see them re-enter the European spots.

Therefore, it is of great importance that Spurs are able to continue their winning run and claim all three points on Sunday.

Tottenham Hotspur’s chances of landing their top target in January just took another blow as Man United enter the £65m race.

The January transfer window is almost here, and Tottenham Hotspur could be one of the busier sides as they look to strengthen Thomas Frank’s squad.

The Lewis Family has injected £100 million into the club ahead of the winter window, and fans will want to see that money spent on big-name signings.

Antoine Semenyo is one name that has been linked with Tottenham, but signing the Bournemouth forward will be difficult given the competition for his signature.

Man United ready to trigger Antoine Semenyo clause as Tottenham monitor situation

Semenyo has a £65 million release clause set to become active in the middle of the winter window, allowing any club that can match it to make a move for the wide forward.

TeamTalk are now reporting that Man United are adamant that they will be able to meet Antoine Semenyo’s release clause in January.

The 25-year-old has been in top form, having scored six times this season and assisting three goal and it is no surprise that several clubs hold interest in him.

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United’s belief now adds to the growing list of suitors Tottenham need to fend off if they are to land the Ghana international.

Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City are also interested in the Bournemouth star, with United now weighing up whether to go head-to-head with Liverpool to sign Semenyo, Spurs’ chances look rather slim.

Spurs face tough task as Antoine Semenyo weighs up options

It is believed that Semenyo is expected to favour Liverpool, and that is a blow for everyone involved, including Spurs.

The Reds could do with options out wide, and following Salah’s latest remarks on Slot and the club’s ownership, this could push Liverpool to increase their pursuit of Semenyo.

Manchester United, however, will not back down easily as they believe they can secure European football next season, and as such, they need more depth in their squad, leaving Tottenham with a mountain to climb in January.

Tottenham Hotspur could keep an eye on things over at IF Brommapojkarna as Lucas Bergvall’s younger brother signs his first pro contract.

Tottenham Hotspur are not scared to take a punt on youth, and in the last two seasons, their young signings have looked impressive.

Lucas Bergvall and Archie Gray are two players who naturally come to mind when thinking of the future of Tottenham, as both midfielders have already shown that they possess the tools needed to grow into influential figures.

The pair have even received high praise from Glenn Hoodle, who believes they will only get better and better in a Spurs shirt.

Lucas Bergvall’s little brother signs first pro contract

Much like Gray, who has a sibling, Harry, Bergvall also has siblings of his own. Lucas Bergvall’s older brother, Theo, 21 years of age, plays for Djurgarden, where Lucas first brought himself to the attention of wider football.

However, there is now a new Bergvall on the blocks, as Fotbolldirekt reports that 17-year-old Rasmus Bergvall has signed his first professional contract with IF Brommapojkarna, the same club Lucas and Theo first signed with.

The 17-year-old is a centre-back by trade and has already started getting strong reviews, with Fotbolldirekt describing him as ‘even more explosive’ than his two older brothers.

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Spurs could become the first club to do something unique

Spurs will want to keep an eye on the teenage centre-back, as they could use their connection with Lucas to lure him to N17.

Tottenham, in recent years, have shown that there is a platform for youngsters to develop and work their way to first-team football, something that remains a major attraction for emerging talents.

Bergvall, who put the work in during his first season at Spurs, was rewarded with game time, and he eventually won several individual awards for Tottenham alongside a Europa League trophy, which only strengthens the pull for someone like Rasmus.

Tottenham Hotspur now look to have decided on the future of Yves Bissouma after the midfielder was caught inhaling laughing gas.

Yves Bissouma has less than 12 months left on his current Tottenham Hotspur deal, and the Malian midfielder, who signed for £25 million, has yet to play a competitive game for the club this season for a variety of reasons.

Bissouma was left out of Thomas Frank’s UEFA Super Cup squad for disciplinary reasons after arriving late to training repeatedly.

Injuries have also limited his involvement, as he picked up a knock while away on international duty back in October.

Tottenham’s transfer stance on Yves Bissouma after laughing gas incident

Spurs looked to sell Bissouma last summer, but every attempt fell through, and the midfielder was later caught inhaling nitrous oxide for a second time in his Tottenham career back in November.

The Times are now reporting that, following that incident, alongside a string of other disciplinary issues, Spurs are looking to sell Bissouma in January.

It is also claimed that Tottenham could potentially extend the Mali international’s contract for one more year, although if Spurs decide against an extension, they run the risk of losing the 29-year-old on a free next summer.

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Spurs options as clubs monitor Bissouma ahead of January

Fitness issues ultimately caused Bissouma to remain at Tottenham through the summer as he was close to moving to Turkey before the deal stalled late on.

Interest in the midfielder is still believed to be present heading into the winter window, with French sides Nice and Marseille, alongside Fenerbahce, West Ham United and Everton, previously showing interest and potentially ready to revisit the situation in January.

It is claimed that a move abroad is more likely at this stage, but any transfer will have to come after the AFCON, as Bissouma is set to represent Mali.

Swedish boss Graham Potter has now provided an injury update on Tottenham midfielder Dejan Kulusevski, who has been out for over six months.

A once minor injury picked up by Tottenham Hotspur’s Dejan Kulusevski back in May has now kept the Swede sidelined for well over seven months.

Kulusevski did not damage his ACL but instead suffered a Patella injury that required surgery, and despite early hopes of a smoother route back, his return does not appear imminent at this stage.

James Maddison, who actually tore his ACL, has already been spotted on the grass at Hotspur Way, while Kulusevski has not yet been seen.

Spurs have had to cope without him, with Xavi Simons brought in to offer creativity in the number ten role while both the Swede and Maddison continue their push back to full fitness.

Dejan Kulusevski injury latest as Graham Potter speaks on Tottenham star

Graham Potter, who took over the Swedish national team in October, appeared on a Fotbollskanalen podcast and was asked about Kulusevski’s condition and whether he might be available for the upcoming international matches.

Potter explained how challenging the midfielder’s recovery has been, noting that the injury has not followed a straightforward pattern.

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He said, “I met Dejan last week, as I am aware he is fighting back from his injury. I had a good conversation with him.

“He really has had a complicated injury. That is the truth. He is on his way back and he is in a good place, but when you are close you can have setbacks and you can have frustrating days when things do not go the way you want because it is a long process. He is in good spirits and in a good place, and desperate to come back and help.”

Potter gives March return date update on Kulusevski

Potter was pressed further on whether the Tottenham midfielder will be ready for March, as Sweden look to book their place in the World Cup finals through the play-off qualifying rounds.

The Sweden boss made sure to highlight Kulusevski’s determination before giving a realistic assessment.

Potter said: “He is desperate to be included. I am convinced of that (that Kulusevski will be in March). That is my feeling based on having spoken to him and understanding where he is. I think that is the last part of the rehabilitation that he needs to go through.

“My experience when someone has been out for a long time is that it can be a bit up and down and frustrating, but he is in a good place. I think the problem with football – and looking ahead to March – is that nobody knows for sure where he is going to be.

“If you can predict that, you are a genius. It is about being patient with him and supporting him. I am confident he will be there.”

Tottenham Hotspur are turning their attention to a highly-rated Bundesliga full-back, who is catching the eye of scouts with his performances in the Champions League this term.

It has been widely reported over the past couple of months that Tottenham will prioritise strengthening their attack in January.

However, some sources have claimed over the last few weeks that Spurs are also on the lookout for options to strengthen in defence and in midfield.

A left-back, who impressed in his latest Champions League outing on Tuesday, is thought to be one of the names on the Lilywhites’ wishlist.

Tottenham eyeing move for Eintracht Frankfurt full-back Nathaniel Brown

According to TEAMtalk, Eintracht Frankfurt left-back Nathaniel Brown, who provided an assist in the club’s 2-1 win over Barcelona on Tuesday, is on Tottenham Hotspur’s radar.

The 22-year-old’s impressive performances in the Bundesliga and in the Champions League have not gone unnoticed in England, with a move to the Premier League now thought to be on the cards for the player.

Brown, who has a goal and four assists to his name this term, has impressed scouts with his modern style of play, and it is not just Tottenham who are his admirers.

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It is revealed that Manchester City, West Ham, Arsenal and Man United may battle the Lilywhites for the German international’s signature.

Destiny Udogie injury news has made Spurs consider Brown

TEAMtalk explain that Thomas Frank’s men are keen on adding a left-back to their squad due to Destiny Udogie’s injury history.

The Italian’s latest injury setback, which will keep him out of action until January, has now convinced the North London club to look closely at the Frankfurt star ahead of January.

The outlet adds that the Bundesliga club are open to selling Brown but only for a fee upwards of £50m, while the player is keen to test himself in the Premier League.

Thomas Frank has now moved to clarify suggestions about taking the handbrake off while pointing to three players who have driven a change in Tottenham’s form.

Results have certainly improved in north London over the past few weeks after Tottenham Hotspur secured two wins on the bounce in their last two outings.

It was not just about getting the three points, as Spurs were actually the better side in those two games, with Frank’s side playing on the front foot and controlling large stretches of both matches.

That, however, has not always been the case in north London, with Thomas Frank often criticised for his pragmatic approach, which had led to growing fan dissatisfaction earlier in the season.

Thomas Frank explains Tottenham form improvement and refutes handbrake claims

The Tottenham boss has now opened up on what has changed for Tottenham following the upturn in results, and he addressed suggestions that Spurs had suddenly become more expansive.

Speaking to the media, Frank was clear in his response, first pushing back on claims that he had told the team to cut loose before highlighting the three players driving this positive run.

He said, via the official Tottenham channel: “I would not say we have taken the handbrake off. Three players I would like to mention. Richy is in a very good place, also physically.

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“Mo Kudus, after a great start to the season, injury, a little dip, back to good levels. Xavi is also at a good level. I think all three of them in form and sharp at the same time helps.

“The relationships, principles and patterns we are working at are getting better and better.”

Frank must find balance in his Spurs team

Indeed, the forward players have been more impactful, and that is down to the changes made behind them, with the midfield and full-backs offering cleaner progression through the thirds.

Frank has tweaked his personnel, bringing in players who are more positive in possession, which has helped them threaten the opposition goal more frequently in games, and that shift has allowed Spurs to sustain attacks with greater consistency.

Of course, it is a welcome development, but finding balance is the big question here for the Dane, as Tottenham need to be a threat in attack while also remaining solid at the back, especially against sides who aim to exploit space in transition.

Brennan Johnson is attracting interest from a Premier League club ahead of the January transfer window, but there is one factor affecting whether he will be able to depart Tottenham Hotspur.

Brennan Johnson returned to Tottenham Hotspur as a hero after the summer, having scored the goal which won his team the Europa League final.

Despite the arrival of Mohammed Kudus over the summer, the Welshman maintained his spot in the first-team, switching to the left side of attack.

However, he appears to have fallen out of favour with Thomas Frank and is now behind Wilson Odobert in the Spurs pecking order.

Tottenham could receive a bid for Brennan Johnson from Crystal Palace

With Johnson struggling for game time, he could be on the move when the transfer window reopens next month.

According to The Telegraph, Crystal Palace are interested in the 24-year-old, as Ismaïla Sarr is currently injured and is scheduled to play at AFCON.

However, Tottenham will decide whether a move will take place, with the North London club also considering whether to freshen their squad in January.

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Spurs should not be reluctant to sell Johnson

Tottenham fans will be forever grateful to Johnson for what he delivered in Bilbao, but he has been knocked out of the first-team by a player who is still a long way from reaching his potential.

Although the winger has a fairly decent goal record, he often struggles to make an impact on the pitch, and things are not about to get any easier.

Dejan Kulusevski will eventually return from injury, and a new left-wing signing could be on the cards in the near future. It would make sense for both Spurs and Johnson to arrange a permanent transfer.

European football expert Andy Brassell is confused by reports suggesting that Tottenham Hotspur are keen on signing a young Serbian starlet.

According to reports, discussions are ongoing at Spurs about adding another central midfielder to their squad in January.

A 20-year-old is thought to have caught the eye of the North London club, with reports indicating that Tottenham are battling Newcastle United for Aleksandar Stankovic.

Stankoiv is turning a lot of heads with his impressive performances for Club Brugge since swapping Inter Milan for the Belgian club in the summer, but one expert is not convinced he is what Spurs need.

Andy Brassell questions logic of Tottenham’s interest in Aleksandar Stankovic

Brassell has suggested that the Serbian international is not what Tottenham Hotspur need in the January transfer window.

He suggested that Stankovic is very similar in profile to the two midfield destroyers that Spurs have: Rodrigo Bentancur and Joao Palhinha.

When asked about the speculation over the Club Burgge man’s future, Brassell told talkSPORT’s Joe Brophy: “When you look at those clubs that have been linked with him, I don’t know why Spurs would want another of that type of midfielder, if I’m being perfectly honest.

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“He’s a better set-piece deliverer than either Palhinha or [Rodrigo] Bentancur. But I think you look at them and think, do they need another player like that?

“Unless they’re not keeping Palhinha, presumably. Maybe that’s part of it. But he’s developing really, really quickly as well.”

Do Spurs need another number six?

Reports over the last few weeks have indicated that Tottenham are looking at the likes of Conor Gallagher and Ruben Neves.

That suggests that Thomas Frank feels that he needs another body in the middle of the park.

Tottenham Hotspur are expected to send a big signal of backing to Thomas Frank over the next few weeks, according to a Premier League club’s former CEO.

Over the past few months, it has been widely reported that ENIC want to make some statement signings to signal their ambition in this new era for Tottenham.

Several sources have claimed that Spurs are willing to make big investments in key positions across the squad.

In fact, it was even reported by TEAMtalk a couple of weeks ago that Thomas Frank will be handed a transfer kitty of £100m for the January window.

Thomas Frank will be backed by Tottenham despite poor results

Some may wonder if Tottenham Hotspur’s struggles over recent weeks would have changed their thinking about backing the Dane with big funds.

In fact, some outlets have claimed that Spurs have started exploring alternatives for Frank as a precaution, and if that is the case, they may be hesitant to invest in players suited to his tactical approach.

However, the former Aston Villa and Everton CEO believes that Tottenham will show faith in the former Brentford boss and will send him a clear signal by making money available to spend in January.

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Wyness told Football Insider: “I do think the owners will want to show they’re not knee-jerk and they will want to see a longer-term strategy. I believe the executive team with Vinai [Venkatesham] have got enough experience to also not become knee-jerk and also to try and provide the tools going forward.

“I think he’ll turn it around. I think in January we’ll see him active, very active in the window and I think that will be the start of him putting his own stamp on the playing squad and moving things forward. But no, this is one that they’ve got to stay the course, stick with him and things will start to turn around.

“Let’s not forget where they finished last season and I think as long as he can finish in the European places, I think he’s going to finish somewhere around seventh or eighth, that is still my belief. And if he does that, then I think everybody will be happy and on we go. But now is not the time to lose your head. It’s time to stay calm and Spurs have got to move forward, but they’ve got to be active in January.”

Why Spurs fans should not expect big additions in January

We know that only 10 per cent of all transfer business is done in the mid-season transfer window, as clubs are hesitant to let any of their key players go.

As a result, the pool of players available during January is considerably lower than it is in the summer.

The Tottenham hierarchy may feel inclined to wait for more ideal targets to become available in the summer rather than blowing a hole in their budget with less-than-ideal signings mid-season.