What a game we have on our hands as the Premier League once again resumes after the international break. Tottenham Hotspur will lock horns with West Ham United in a London Derby. Both sides will be desperate for wins but for very different reasons. Spurs are seven games winless in all competitions since their 2-0 win against Manchester City and are already some way behind the top four. Even though they are the only side unbeaten in the Premier League this time out, they have had too many draws so far which can prove to be costly for their title hopes.
West Ham, on the other hand, have let their fans down this season. Everybody had big expectations from the Hammers this time out after the season they had the last term under Slaven Bilic but the East London side have won just three games this term. The two London sides share a long-standing rivalry which makes this contest even more interesting.
Here is the predicted West Ham United lineup against Spurs.
Defence
Spanish custodian Adrian will keep his pace under the bar. West Ham are likely to stick to a back-three that has helped them to some extent to stop leaking away silly goals. New Zealand international defender Winston Reid is doubtful for the game and might not make it in time.
James Collins is likely to have an extended run in the starting XI and will start on the right-hand side of the 3-man defence. A midfielder by trade, Cheikhou Kouyaté has been impressive as a makeshift centre-back and will start at the centre of the 3-man defence. Angelo Ogbonna will start on the left-hand side of the back three.
Midfield
West Ham skipper Mark Noble is suspended for the game which will be a big blow to the Hammers. Havard Nordtveit is likely to fill in his position at the heart of midfield. Pedro Obiang is likely to partner the Norwegian in midfield. Michail Antonio and Aaron Cresswell are likely to start in the two wing-back positions and will be looking cause troubles with their attacking forays.
Attack
Dimitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini are likely to start as the two attacking midfielders just behind the striker. West Ham’s club-record signing Andre Ayew is likely to start up front as a number nine. The pace of the West Ham attacking trio will be a big threat to Mauricio Pochettino’s Spurs.
