Tottenham Hotspur vs. West Ham United Premier League Preview

Everybody’s least favourite derby approaches with a stormcloud of negativity. In a single nook sits Tottenham Hotspur, winless in 4 straight and 6 of the final seven, just lately knocked out of the FA Cup and with a supervisor seemingly preventing for his job. Within the different sits West Ham United, a facet in severe menace of relegation regardless of the makes an attempt of Nuno Espirito Santo.

For Spurs, this match in all probability provides far more negatives than upside. Dropped factors continues a worrying development that may sooner or later be an excessive amount of to beat, particularly if this manner carries into the Champions League. In the meantime, a win over 18th place actually doesn’t imply a lot, no matter how pesky West Ham could also be. Nevertheless, we nonetheless maintain out hope for some kind of turnaround, which feels fairly inconceivable if this one finally ends up wanting a victory.

Date: Saturday, January 17Time: 10:00 am ET, 3:00 pm UKLocation: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, LondonTV: Peacock (US)Desk: Spurs (14th, 27 pts), West Ham (18th, 14 pts)

The primary assembly between these sides was scoreless at halftime, however the next 20 minutes have been fairly eventful. First, Pape Sarr opened the scoring off a nook, then Tomas Soucek received himself despatched off with a studs-up sort out on Joao Palhinha. The guests cruised from there, with Lucas Bergvall including the second on a pleasant header and prolific scorer Micky van de Ven making it 3-0 for Tottenham on the London Stadium.

Nothing has come simply for Thomas Frank, particularly on the backside of the desk. In 4 matches in opposition to the underside 4, Spurs have taken simply seven factors, with the aforementioned win over West Ham and the opening day victory at Burnley being the 2 successes. What stands out extra are the failures: a horrible draw at house in opposition to Wolves and the embarrassment at Forest final month.

Stylistically, it’s legitimate to fret a couple of match in opposition to this kind of membership in North London. Tottenham’s dreadful house type has been properly documented, and although the Hammers are fairly terrible in every single place, they’re versed in conceding possession and buckling down defensively whereas on the highway. Nuno has additionally opted for a 4-3-2-1 formation in opposition to larger sides (which Spurs could or not be?), which is one thing to search for on Saturday.

Talking of Nuno, whereas Spurs prevented him — and Ange Postecoglou — on the Metropolis Floor final month, this would be the second consecutive league fixture for the supervisor in opposition to a earlier employer. There may be not a ton of emotion positively or negatively in direction of him at this level given his comically transient stint at Tottenham, although any end result he can earn will certainly drum up the narratives.

Richarlison, Mohammad Kudus, and Rodrigo Bentancur (and Brennan Johnson – technically, Dejan Kulusevski, and James Maddison) won’t be out there for Saturday, however Dominic Solanke and Conor Gallagher will. This theoretically offers Frank sufficient choices to populate the six spots forward of the again 4, although the choices are reaching the purpose the place they almost make themselves.

Although targets by no means appear to return simply, this actually needs to be a match the place Tottenham scores. West Ham has allowed probably the most targets within the league and has the second-worst xGA, surrendering 14 targets previously six league contests and averaging 2.1 xGA previously three. The Spurs’ assault is rarely a given, however there’s not rather more that might be requested for in an opposing protection.

I’m actually curious to see what Gallagher may probably carry to the facet. He is probably not a inventive expertise, however he ought to present extra willingness and talent to drive ahead than the options in central midfield and on the very least provides a contemporary face. The Hammers’ common the fifth-lowest possession within the league so Tottenham will take pleasure in loads of time on the ball. Somebody must present an curiosity in doing one thing with it, and the brand new signing appears as possible as anybody to take action.