Paul Merson makes big Tottenham score prediction
Paul Merson has offered his perspective on why Tottenham Hotspur continue to stumble and has delivered his prediction ahead of their upcoming Premier League meeting with Fulham.
Although the Opta Supercomputer is forecasting a Spurs win this weekend, many supporters remain unconvinced. Their skepticism is understandable, given the team’s inconsistent and at times chaotic performances since the season resumed after the international break.
Tottenham’s Recent Struggles
Spurs returned to domestic action with a hugely disappointing performance in the North London derby, suffering a comprehensive three-goal defeat to Arsenal. The manner of the loss was particularly alarming; Tottenham looked passive, disorganized, and far from the level required in such a high-stakes fixture.
There were flashes of improvement in their midweek Champions League match against PSG, where they at least showed attacking intent, created several chances, and managed to score three goals. However, the positives quickly faded, as defensive frailties resurfaced and Thomas Frank’s side conceded five times, leaving fans with more questions than answers.
Paul Merson’s 1–1 Prediction for Spurs vs Fulham
Much discussion has centered on Frank’s tactical approach, but Paul Merson believes the debate over playing style misses the bigger picture. According to the former Arsenal forward, the underlying problem is that Tottenham simply cannot turn performances—regardless of their method—into meaningful results.
Spurs defended deep against Arsenal and were convincingly outplayed. Yet when they shifted to a more open, attacking setup against PSG, they were torn apart defensively. For Merson, this inability to find a balance is at the heart of their troubles.
Speaking to Sportskeeda, Merson said:
“Tottenham are a nightmare to predict! I thought they were blown away by Arsenal last weekend, it was just embarrassing. That was Tottenham’s biggest game of the season.
I know Arsenal are the better team but that doesn’t mean you can’t make it hard for them. Fans would have wanted Tottenham players to run through brick walls in this game but that didn’t happen. Spurs made it a walk in the park for Arsenal and even if they beat Fulham 16-0, it won’t make up for that derby loss!
Even against PSG in the Champions League, Tottenham took the lead twice and still lost 5-3. If they have a go at opponents, they score three goals and end up conceding five in return. If they hold back, they lose 4-1 like against Arsenal. Spurs are not able to find the right balance and that is a worrying thing.
Tottenham have been poor at home and they are very panicky when they are expected to go and win a game of football. This is one such game against Fulham and I don’t expect them to win.”
Merson ultimately predicts a 1–1 draw, reflecting his belief that Spurs’ current mentality and defensive issues will prevent them from taking control of what should be a winnable match.
A Crucial Premier League Moment for Tottenham
Tottenham’s decline in the league table highlights how costly their recent results have been. They now sit ninth in the Premier League, yet the table remains extremely tight: Spurs are only two points behind Crystal Palace in fifth, but equally just two points above Brentford in 13th.
That congestion means the outcome of this weekend’s fixture could significantly reshape their position. A victory would keep them within touching distance of the teams chasing Champions League qualification. A failure to win, however, risks dragging them deeper into mid-table and increasing pressure on both the squad and the coaching staff.
With the season approaching a critical stretch, Tottenham urgently need to rediscover consistency, defensive structure, and confidence—all qualities that have been missing in recent weeks. Whether they can begin that turnaround against Fulham remains to be seen, but as Merson suggests, their current unpredictability makes any forecast a risky one.