Tottenham will 'definitely' finish above Manchester United in the Premier League this season, according to Paul Merson.
Spurs are unbeaten in 11 games in England's top tier and their solitary defeat this season came against United at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils are currently three points ahead of Mauricio Pochettino's side in fourth place but Merson is adamant that the north Londoners are a better side than their rivals and will claim third place at the end of the campaign.
Spurs have not played in the Champions League since 2011 yet the pundit believes the other sides in the division need to 'start respecting' Pochettino's young side.
"I've been very impressed with them and they've completely changed my opinion. What they did at the Emirates was phenomenal.
"They've got a great young squad and a very, very good manager in Mauricio Pochettino. The key for them is their best players need to stay fit.
"People have got to start respecting Tottenham and I definitely think they'll finish above Manchester United," he told Sky Sports.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are languishing in 16th place in the table, having won just three of their opening 12 games this term.
Jose Mourinho's side face a battle to qualify for next season's Champions League if their poor form continues but Merson has backed the Blues to edge out Louis van Gaal's men in the race for a top-four spot.
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"Chelsea have a lot of points to make up but I can see them going on a run while United are capable of drawing too many games.
"There's still a long time for Chelsea to make up that gap and, while it's a hard one to call, I fancy Chelsea to just edge it."
