Former Arsenal attacker Paul Merson might not be everyone’s cup of tea and his work as a pundit probably leaves me disagreeing as much as I agree with him – when you can work out what he’s trying to say at points – but he has a valid observation on this weekend’s action when it comes to Tottenham Hotspurs’ chance of chasing down Liverpool in the remainder of the 2018/19 campaign.
This weekend sees us make the trip to Turf Moor to face Burnley and even though I think Sean Dyche’s side will prove to be a tough cookie to break, there’s no reason for not having confidence of another win owing to our knack of taking an ugly three points this year.
This Sunday Manchester United also welcome Liverpool to Old Trafford, and Merse feels that result could help define the season given the current five point gap in play.
Writing for Sky Sports as he gave his latest round of predictions, he offered.
“Tottenham could get back in the title race if they win this game and Liverpool don’t beat Manchester United. If Liverpool beat United, then I don’t think Spurs are in it – I think it’s too many points – but if they win this and Liverpool don’t win, then they are in it because they still have to play Liverpool. I don’t think Burnley will go down. They have enough know-how, they are on a good run and they are hard to beat. However, I fancy Spurs to win this game.”
Now, it’s debatable as to whether we are not in the title race at this point, but each to their own. Otherwise, whilst there are plenty of games left for any side at the top to slip up, a two or three points gap come the end of the weekend would be a boost to our chances and it would certainly put the pressure on Jurgen Klopp’s side given we are still largely going under the radar and being discounted.
A lot of people could be looking at the top of the table differently come Sunday evening.