West Ham vs Tottenham Hotspur: Preview, Team News & Predictions
West Ham and Tottenham Hotspur will face off against one another at the London Stadium on Tuesday April 2nd, with both sides looking to fuel their respective European ambitions.
The Hammers, who have been rather streaky all season, are on a three-game winless run, four points off Manchester United in sixth place.
It looked like they would round off a wonderful display away at Newcastle United, but three goals in 13 minutes broke the back of their 3-1 lead. Alexander Isak’s 77th minute penalty was followed by Harvey Barnes’ brace.
A victory would be their first Premier League double over cross-city rivals Spurs since 2013-14 if they upset them.
Ange Postecoglou’s troops needed an 86th minute winner to brush Luton Town aside last time out, with skipper Son Heung-Min stepping up to secure all three points. A run of three wins in four has ensured Tottenham are well positioned in the race for the fourth spot. They sit three points behind Aston Villa with a game in hand.
And on that note, we bring everything you need to know ahead of the clash at the capital.
Team News
West Ham
Nayef Aguerd ’s return from injury should boost David Moyes’ hopes as the Hammers aim to avoid the mistakes they made against Newcastle.
Lukasz Fabianski is expected to deputize for Alphonse Areola, who was forced off owing to a thigh strain.
Meanwhile, Edson Alvarez is suspended.
Tottenham Hotspur
Richarlison is fit again for Spurs in what’s a positive piece of news for the North Londoners. He should slot straight back into the XI as the number nine.
Micky van de Ven is also returning, meaning Radu Dragusin would drop to the bench. Meanwhile, Manor Solomon and Ryan Sessegnon continue to be long-term absentees.
Predicted XI
West Ham (4-2-3-1): Fabianski; Coufal, Aguerd, Zouma, Emerson; Ward-Prowse, Soucek; Bowen, Paqueta, Kudus; Antonio
Tottenham Hotspur (4-2-3-1): Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Sarr, Bissouma; Kulusevski, Maddison, Son; Richarlison
Match Prediction
West Ham blow hot and cold defensively. With key players at the back not in the best of form, it could play in a free-flowing, fiery Spurs attack. There should be goals in this one, with neither team expected to hold their weapons back.
Tottenham are starting to click down the stretch, while West Ham remain unpredictable with their performances. It could mean Postecoglou celebrates another crucial London derby win.
Predicted score: West Ham 2-3 Tottenham Hotspur
-Roy Akarshak
Twitter: @RoyAkarshak
Photo: SuperJew. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.