West Ham United are not only going strong in Europa League but also making a mark in the Premier League as well. However, a massive game awaits the Hammers on Sunday afternoon as they would lock horns with Tottenham Hotspur in a gripping London derby.
They bounced back from a defeat to Brentford prior to the international break and registered successive wins against Everton and Genk. Spurs had a tough time last season against the East Londoners as the meeting at the Lane ended 3-3 thanks to an outrageous late strike from Manuel Lanzini. West Ham secured a 2-1 victory at London Stadium earlier this year, and therefore, must be upbeat prior to this weekend encounter.
Predicted 4-2-3-1 West Ham United Lineup To Face Tottenham Hotspur
Defence
Although Alphonse Areola has featured in a couple of European outings, 36-year-old Łukasz Fabiański remains the ‘number 1’ choice despite retiring from international football. The Polish custodian would keep his place between the sticks to face the Lilywhites.
Vladimír Coufal’s injury is a big blow for David Moyes and the gaffer is expected to rely on emerging prospect Ben Johnson once again. The youngster would keep his right-back role, whereas Kurt Zouma and Angelo Ogbonna must be restored in place of Craig Dawson and Issa Diop for this Premier League contest. Veteran Aaron Cresswell should operate from the left ahead of Ryan Fredericks and Arthur Masuaku.
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Midfield
The Irons have ample midfield options, however, only a few are capable enough to operate from the deep and marshall the ‘back four’. Club skipper Mark Noble is past his prime and the rise of Declan Rice has been huge in terms of quality as well as composure. Tomáš Souček has been exquisite since joining West Ham and his pairing with Rice as the double pivot would frustrate Spurs in the middle of the park. The Czech midfielder would cause menace in opponents’ box from set-piece situations.
Pablo Fornals is enjoying a blistering campaign from the left-hand side, also the flair and finesse of Jarrod Bowen have been majestic down the right-hand flank. Saïd Benrahma has settled down as a ‘number 10’ after a slow start to life since securing a move from Brentford a year ago. Andriy Yarmolenko, Nikola Vlasic and Lanzini would remain as alternatives to make a difference as substitutes.
Attack
With 5 goals and 3 assists from 7 league games, Michail Antonio has maintained his standard as an outright ‘number 9’. He is irreplaceable at this moment and is going to spearhead the attack this weekend.
