Our EPL scribe previews Friday night’s Premier League clash between West Ham and Tottenham.
A London derby. A Friday night. A title potentially at stake. These are the nights upon which titles do seem to hinge. West Ham’s disappointing first season in their new stadium would no doubt be somewhat ameliorated by victory over their eternal rivals. Spurs have grown from strength to strength in recent weeks and have shaken off the tag of North-London bridesmaids with victory over Arsenal last week. Spurs will know that Chelsea host a desperate Middleborough side this week, meaning that anything other than victory here could prove virtually decisive with the fixtures dwindling.
West Ham v Tottenham Hotspurs | Friday 5 May | London Stadium | 21:00
To Win (90 Mins)
West Ham 6/1 | Draw 37/10 | Tottenham 4/10
West Ham
West Ham’s season must be looked upon with a degree of understanding. The moving pains are one thing, the litany of injuries that have ravaged this side is quite something else. Andy Carroll remains doubtful, and knowing his injury history Bilic will be disinclined to bring him back too soon. Sakho is also doubtful while the likes of Tore, Ogbonna and Obiang remain sidelined. The fact that Zaza never worked out has left them with limited striking options. Snodgrass has also failed to set the world on fire while Noble’s legs seem to be going somewhat.
West Ham were at least obdurate in their 0-0 draw at the Britannia. But one wonders how the back three of Fonte, Reid and Collins will cope with the vicious movement and dexterity of this Spurs side. Fernandes and Masuaku will need to be careful to avoid venturing too far forward while Kouyate and Nordveidt will likely sit in the middle of the park. I feel sorry for Lanzini and Ayew as I suspect their opportunities are going to be severely limited. The physical presence of Andy Carroll was really essential in this game.
Tottenham Hotspurs
What more can be said of this side? re they the best Spurs team ever? Could they possibly end up being the best ever team to not win a Premier League – barring perhaps Liverpool under Rodgers?
Moussa Dembelle comes back into the side, meaning that Dier will likely be relegated to the bench. Kieron Trippier was brilliant against Arsenal and I suspect that Pochettino will resist the urge to make a change there. Victor Wanyama was their man of the match at the weekend and would have even giving Kante troubles with his boundless athleticism.
Spurs have been resolute in defence, but it’s really the efficacy of their attack that is going to be the question as they are likely to have almost sole ownership of possession. Eriksson’s vision pairs brilliantly with the speed and direct approach of Son. And in Alli, you have an amalgamation of those two players, with incision and wit to spare. Harry Kane just brings it all together with his ability to retain possession and shoot from anywhere. I can’t see any other result here than a Spurs victory.
The Verdict: Tottenham to Score 3+ Goals at 12/10
West Ham’s back three is going to be exposed badly by this side. Yes, West Ham were the closest side to beating Spurs at the Lane this year. They led in the dying minutes 2-1, only for Spurs to score two last-gasp goals and take victory 3-2. But West Ham don’t possess the counterattacking threat without Antonio or Carroll.
Written by Damien Kayat @Hollywoodbets
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