Spurs fans left fuming with Paul Merson’s horrible prediction of Spurs vs Crystal Palace, no one saw it coming, he is now getting out of control
Paul Merson has shared his thoughts on the upcoming Premier League showdown between Crystal Palace and Tottenham Hotspur, and the forecast might not sit well with Spurs fans. This weekend’s clash is poised to be an intense London derby with plenty at stake for both sides. Tottenham, after a turbulent October start, is pushing to secure its place in the top half of the table and inch closer to the Champions League spots. However, Merson suggests that the notorious “Spursy” trait—Tottenham’s tendency to lose their grip on favorable situations—may once again come into play.
Tottenham’s most recent league action left fans in shock and disappointment when they lost 3-2 to Brighton after leading 2-0 before the October international break. In what seemed a promising display, Spurs looked like they had control, only for the game to slip away, leaving them empty-handed. Yet, following the break, Spurs showed resilience. They returned to form in emphatic style with a powerful 4-1 victory over West Ham United, reminding fans of their potential to challenge strongly this season. This form continued midweek with a solid, hard-fought 1-0 win over AZ Alkmaar in the Europa League, showcasing both their defensive stability and tactical discipline. Now, another test awaits them as they head to Selhurst Park for another London derby, where securing three points could potentially lift them to fifth in the Premier League table—just within reach of the Champions League qualification spots.
But while recent performances have given fans reason to be hopeful, Merson isn’t convinced that Spurs will be able to maintain their momentum. Known for his brutally honest assessments, the former Arsenal star highlighted Tottenham’s inconsistency, describing them as a team that can impress on one day and then falter spectacularly the next. In his column on Sportskeeda, Merson attributed Tottenham’s erratic results to what he calls the “Spursy” factor, a longstanding tendency of the club to disappoint when things look promising. “I don’t mean it horribly, but sometimes they get a bit ‘Spursy’,” he wrote, pointing to the Brighton game as a prime example. “They had such a strong first half against Brighton, and I thought to myself, ‘Wow, this could be the team to really make a push for the top four.’ But then they completely fell apart.”
Merson believes that Crystal Palace will be a formidable opponent on Sunday, particularly given their recent form and their physical style of play at home. He expects manager Oliver Glasner to approach the game with a competitive lineup, featuring strikers Eddie Nketiah and Jean-Philippe Mateta, who Merson feels could exploit any defensive gaps in Tottenham’s backline. He specifically praised Mateta’s physical presence and aerial ability, suggesting that his strength could pose a serious threat to Tottenham’s defenders. “Mateta’s a big, strong player who can cause problems for most teams. I’d even start him ahead of Nketiah if I were Glasner,” Merson added, explaining that this combination could add to Palace’s threat in front of goal and make it a challenging afternoon for Tottenham.
Merson’s prediction reflects his view that, while Spurs have the capability to achieve great results, they are held back by a lack of consistency and a tendency to falter under pressure. In his view, this match could be an entertaining and high-energy affair, with both teams having moments of dominance and vulnerability. “Tottenham have the makings of a top team, but they need to show that more often on a consistent basis if they really want to compete for a top-four finish,” Merson noted, emphasizing that their recent ups and downs underscore their challenge in making a reliable push for Champions League qualification. He believes Tottenham will likely be held to a 2-2 draw, which would mean they take just one point back to North London.
As the weekend approaches, the stakes couldn’t be higher for Spurs. A win at Selhurst Park would offer a vital boost in their pursuit of European competition, helping them build on their recent successes. However, a setback could trigger renewed doubts about their ability to break into the Premier League’s top echelon. This fixture not only holds importance in terms of points but also as a litmus test for Tottenham’s ability to perform consistently in high-stakes matches—a quality they will need if they want to sustain a competitive season.
This London derby thus brings with it high hopes and uncertainties for Tottenham fans, who will be watching eagerly to see if the team can overcome the “Spursy” narrative and demonstrate their growth under Ange Postecoglou. It’s a game that will not only test Spurs’ resolve and determination but also measure their readiness to shake off old reputations and aspire to new heights in the league. With Crystal Palace determined to defend their home turf and Tottenham desperate to avoid another slip-up, the stage is set for an exciting, hard-fought battle that could go either way. Merson’s call for a 2-2 draw sets the tone for what could be a thrilling match, filled with drama, goals, and a chance for Tottenham to prove they are ready to break free from the patterns of the past.