Aston Villa vs Tottenham: Paul Merson gives match prediction

Former Aston Villa midfielder Paul Merson has predicted the outcome of this Saturday’s (9 April) match between his former club and Tottenham Hotspur at Villa Park.

Antonio Conte’s side will travel to Birmingham this weekend after three league wins on the bounce, and now look to be in a strong position to finish in the top four and qualify for the Champions League despite a difficult season.

Steven Gerrard will be looking for a reaction from his side who have lost their last two Premier League games, including last weekend’s West Midlands derby against Wolves.

In his prediction column for Sportskeeda, Merson has predicted a 1-1 draw.

He wrote: “This game could turn out to be Spurs’ banana skin in their pursuit of a top four spot as Aston Villa will definitely give them a game. Unlike last week, Arsenal can win their game and put pressure on their cross-town rivals, so Spurs will be up against it if the Gunners pick up three points against Brighton.

“If Antonio Conte and co win this, though, I would start worrying for Arsenal and their top-four hopes. I get the feeling that this could end all square, so I’m going for a 1-1 draw.

“Harry Kane has been one of the best players in world football this calendar year - the bloke is a different class. He’s an all-round package, I don’t know anyone else who can play like him. If he’s up for it, then there’s only one way this game will pan out.”

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