Paul Merson states his prediction for Tottenham v Norwich

Paul Merson believes Tottenham Hotspur won’t emulate Manchester United and will avoid an upset against Norwich City on Boxing Day.

The Canaries secured a famous 2-1 win at Old Trafford last weekend after goals from Cameron Jerome and Alexander Tettey condemned United to successive Premier League defeats.

I don’t think Tottenham will play as badly as United did

Paul Merson

Spurs bounced back from their first league loss in 15 games last weekend thanks to a comfortable 2-0 victory over Ronald Koeman’s struggling Southampton side at St Mary’s.

Former Arsenal midfielder Merson believes Spurs will consolidate their fourth-place position with victory over Norwich at White Hart Lane on Saturday afternoon.

“That win over Southampton after losing to Newcastle was Tottenham all over. They get to a certain point and then drop off, but fair play to them, they bounced back really quickly against the Saints. That was a big result,” Merson told Sky Sports.

“Now they need to consolidate their position in the top four by winning against Norwich. If they do that, then I think they will really go on from there.

“Norwich had a massive result at Old Trafford, and they may feel like they’ve got the game-plan for results away from home now, but I don’t think Tottenham will play as badly as United did.”

Tottenham are in fourth place and ahead of United on goal difference following their 2-0 triumph over the Saints at St Mary’s.

Spurs are eight points behind surprise Premier League leaders Leicester City ahead of their Boxing Day clash.

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Tottenham have only suffered two defeats in 17 Premier League games so far this season.