Tottenham Hotspur are in the driving seat for a top-four finish but enter the penultimate weekend of the Premier League season in poor form.
After losing to West Ham last weekend, Mauricio Pochettino’s side also fell to defeat against Ajax in the first leg of their Champions League semi-final and have work to do in next week’s second leg in Amsterdam.
A win for Tottenham against Bournemouth this weekend would seal a top-four finish for Spurs, and Champions League football next season, but the pundits seem split on what result they are expecting this weekend.
With Spurs likely to have their focus cast on their clash with Ajax, it could prove to be a tricky game. Here’s what the pundits have said about Spurs this week.
The cryptic message Mauricio Pochettino sent the Spurs board about summer signings
BBC pundit Mark Lawrenson - Bournemouth 1-2 Spurs
It will be interesting to see how Tottenham go into this game. They are 1-0 down in their Champions League semi-final against Ajax, with an away leg to come on Wednesday, and they are also one win away from securing a top-four finish to get back in the competition next year.
All of the teams chasing third and fourth have been all over the place in recent weeks, including Spurs who lost at home to West Ham last time out. Drop any more points here and things could get a bit jittery for Mauricio Pochettino's side, who host Everton in their final league game of the season.
But I actually think they will do all right against Bournemouth - the Cherries always concede a lot of goals and an open game will suit Spurs, who will have Son Heung-min back after his European suspension.
Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson - Bournemouth 2-1 Spurs
Bournemouth are without a win in their last five home league games although they have scored eight times in their last two matches on the road. Spurs are up against it in the Champions League semi-final 2nd leg with Ajax in Amsterdam midweek, but make no mistake they are not out of the tie by any means. Spurs need the points to cement a place in the top four and I feel they can grind out a result.
Spurs have not picked up a point on their travels since the end of January but did win 11 times on the road prior to that and they can maintain their good record against the Cherries having won six of the seven previous PL meetings between the clubs.
The UEFA rule change that means fourth is no different to third for Arsenal, Chelsea and Spurs
BetVictor columnist Michael Owen - Spurs win
Tottenham need to get something, because if Chelsea or Arsenal pick up points that'll make life difficult, but they're still in the Champions League - they're still in it, and I think the players will be a bit like they were against West Ham. They'll be thinking about that game on the Wednesday.
Bournemouth have a go. I watched them against Fulham and Fulham deserved it, they went to Southampton and were never in the game, but then got one of the goals of the season. They are hot and cold but they'll cause problems and I think Spurs will rest players.
The latest injury concerns for Man United amid the top four battle with Arsenal, Chelsea & Spurs
You've seen what the pundits have predicted for this weekend, now it's time to have your say!
This week's Footie5 matches: Bournemouth v Spurs, West Ham vs Southampton, Wolves vs Fulham, Cardiff City vs Crystal Palace, Newcastle vs Liverpool
For all your latest Tottenham Hotspur news, opinion, analysis and transfer gossip, click here
Keep up to date with the latest Tottenham Hotspur news, features and exclusives from football.london via our free WhatsApp service .
Text NEWS to 07776197989 and then add the number to your phone contacts book as spurs dot london (case sensitive, with spaces) to receive daily updates and breaking news from Alasdair Gold and the team on Spurs.
Your phone number won't be shared with any other members of the group. Click here for more information on the service.
