It’s been a stunning turnaround for West Ham United who, under David Moyes, are in contention to claim a ‘top four’ league finish ahead of the other English heavyweights. But they have a tricky test ahead on Sunday lunchtime against Tottenham Hotspur and the derby at London Stadium might prove to be crucial with Spurs desperate to shake off recent shambles and climb up the league ladder.
The battle for a place in Europe is getting intense every week and the outcome of the London derby would decide the fate of many other big guns in a highly competitive top half of the Premier League standings. The Hammers have a few key injury absentees of late, but the depth and quality they got across the pitch should see them come up with a fierce fight this weekend.
Predicted 3-4-2-1 West Ham United Lineup To Face Tottenham Hotspur
Defence
The experience and expertise of Lukasz Fabianski would protect the Irons between the sticks. The Poland international should expect a busy afternoon of football though, against the likes of Harry Kane and Heung-min Son.
Injuries to Fabian Balbuena, Angelo Ogbonna and Arthur Masuaku have forced the gaffer to switch to a back-three set-up and the backline of Issa Diop, Craig Dawson and Aaron Cresswell did exceptionally well against Sheffield United in the previous gameweek. Although Declan Rice is a capable centre-half, his presence in the middle of the park should not be compromised against an industrious Spurs midfield consisting Pierre-Emile Højbjerg and Moussa Sissoko.
Midfield
The addition of Vicente Coufal and Tomáš Souček has been significant in West Ham’s upsurge. Coufal would operate as a right wingback exhibiting his balanced display from the flank, whereas Soucek, having earned so much praise for his physical as well as aerial dominance and goal-scoring traits, should pair up with Rice in the centre of the pitch. Moyes relied on young Ben Johnson down the left against the Blades but should give a nod to Spurs’ reject Ryan Fredericks who had an impressive cameo last weekend.
They have plenty of attacking options in their ranks. Jesse Lingard has been a notable winter addition on loan from Manchester United and the Three Lions star must retain his place as a midfield attacker alongside Said Benrahma who is gradually adjusting to the demands of the English top tier. Manuel Lanzini might have to make way for the Algerian, but the Argentine should play some part, particularly after his late stunner in the reverse fixture at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Attack
The Hammers have received a massive injury boost with Michail Antonio expected to return for the Spurs game. Jarrod Bowen featured as a ‘False 9’ against Chris Wilder’s side but failed to make an impact in a makeshift role.
