Tottenham Hotspur and Bournemouth are set to lock horns in the Premier League on Sunday.
Tottenham are all-but out of contention for a European finish through their Premier League position, with the Europa League now their best chance to qualify next term.
Meanwhile, Bournemouth sit seventh in the table and, with how few points there are between the teams chasing Europe, a top-four spot is very much up for grabs.
Paul Merson has now predicted how Spurs and Bournemouth will fare on Sunday as he shared what there is “no chance” of happening, in his opinion.
Paul Merson backs Bournemouth to win 2-1 at Tottenham
Merson believes Tottenham will be fully preoccupied with the Europa League at present, with the tie still not a foregone conclusion.
The pundit’s prediction came before Spurs’ 1-0 loss to AZ in their last-16 first leg.
However, the narrow defeat ahead of the second leg at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium means Spurs are still in with a chance.
Indeed, Glenn Hoddle said after the game that Tottenham will be happy with the result and, as such, will be focusing on the second leg.
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Meanwhile, Bournemouth will have had more rest and will be fully focused on domestic matters, which is why Merson has backed the visitors to win 2-1.
“This is all going to come down to what happens with Tottenham in the Europa League,” Merson wrote on Sportskeeda.
“I don’t think Spurs have any interest in this match.
“Considering their upcoming fixtures, they have no chance of getting into Europe through league standings!
“So I won’t blame Tottenham if they rest players this weekend.
“Spurs will have one eye on AZ Alkmaar and I feel Bournemouth will win because of that.
“Three points here would put Bournemouth in contention for a top four finish, what an incredibly exciting time for this football club.
“Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 1-2 Bournemouth.”
Tottenham v Bournemouth team news
Spurs could welcome a host of players back to action on Sunday.
Ange Postecoglou hopes both Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven will be able to feature against the Cherries.
Both were named in the matchday squad against AZ but Postecoglou opted not to risk them.
The Tottenham boss also hopes both Dominic Solanke and Ben Davies will be able to be part of the squad for the game.
Spurs striker Richarlison remains sidelined through injury.
Meanwhile, Bournemouth’s Ryan Christie is dealing with ‘something chronic’ but hasn’t been ruled out of the Tottenham game.
However, Enes Unal, Marcos Senesi and Adam Smith remain on the sidelines.
