Tottenham Hotspur are hoping to return to winning ways in the Premier League when they lock horns with West Ham on Sunday. It is a vital clash in the context of the European qualification fight, with the Lilywhites desperately looking to catch up with the likes of Liverpool, Everton and Aston Villa after driving towards the mid-table.
West Ham, in contrast, are flying high at fifth-place with a six-point advantage over their weekend opponents. However, a defeat against Tottenham could bridge the gap to just three, with the north London giants also having a game in hand. Securing all three points, therefore, could be vital for David Moyes’ men if they are to continue their amazing run this season.
West Ham Vs Tottenham Hotspur Preview
Talking Tactics
West Ham
David Moyes should continue with his 3-4-3 setup with Jarrod Bowen operating as the false nine in the absence of Michail Antonio. The former Hull City attacker will look to benefit from the support provided by the likes of Jesse Lingard and Manuel Lanzini in the wide attacker/number ten hybrid. The Hammers usually prefer playing on the counter, so it will be interesting to see how things change this weekend.
Tottenham
Jose Mourinho, on the other hand, should once again persist with the 4-2-3-1. The Portuguese tactician has made an important tweak in recent weeks though, with Tanguy Ndombele operating in the double-pivot. It has offered his side an additional pinch of creativity. However, the Lilywhites will continue to rely on the quick interplay between the attackers to find a breakthrough.
Team News
West Ham
Moyes has offered a positive update on the fitness of Antonio, and it won’t be surprising to see the attacker making the bench this weekend. The former Man United boss, though, should continue to be without Andriy Yarmolenko and Angelo Ogbonna while Fabian Balbuena remains doubtful.
Predicted Lineup: Fabianski; Diop, Dawson, Cresswell; Coufal, Soucek, Rice, Johnson; Lanzini, Bowen, Lingard
Tottenham
Tottenham Hotspur do not expect Sergio Reguilon to return before the second leg against Wolfsberger while Giovani Lo Celso may also require a few weeks before he can fully recover. However, Mourinho will recall Harry Kane back into the eleven, while Ndombele and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg should also start.
Predicted Lineup: Lloris; Tanganga, Sanchez, Alderweireld, Davies; Hojbjerg, Ndombele; Lamela, Lucas, Son; Kane
Key Men
West Ham
The midfield duo of Declan Rice and Tomas Soucek could once again be key for West Ham. Their control in midfield is an important part of the Hammers’ play under Moyes. It will be important this weekend, in not only minimising the influence of Hojbjerg and Ndombele, but also denying Spurs the opportunity to build-up from deeper areas of the pitch.
Tottenham
Tottenham, meanwhile, are relying on the services of their front duo of Son and Kane. The latter was not included in the squad that faced Wolfsberger but is likely to make his return this weekend. His chance creation could certainly benefit Son and other Tottenham attackers in the final third.
