It is a much-anticipated London derby clash, as Tottenham Hotspur entertain West Ham United at home in the Premier League on Thursday evening.
The Lilywhites ended a sequence of three Premier League defeats with a valuable point against champions Manchester City at the death in an entertaining 3-3 draw at the Etihad Stadium. Ange Postecoglou would have been proud of his team’s performance in the second half for grinding out a positive result and avoiding a fourth successive loss.
However, Spurs, who have lost their last two home games against Chelsea and Aston Villa, will be wary of London foes West Ham, who enter the derby off the back of a 1-1 draw with Crystal Palace.
Tottenham Team News
Tottenham have a packed treatment room which includes Rodrigo Bentancur, Micky van den Ven, James Maddison, Ryan Sessegnon, Pape Sarr, Manor Solomon, Ivan Perisic, Ashley Phillips and Alfie Whiteman, while Eric Dier is doubtful after missing the draw with Man City due to a muscle problem sustained in training.
However, Ange Postecoglou will have Cristian Romero available for selection after serving a three-match suspension.
Predicted Tottenham lineup vs West Ham (4-2-3-1)
Goalkeeper
Spurs are likely to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Guglielmo Vicario in goal. Having conceded 11 goals across the last four games, the Italian shot-stopper will be desperate to keep a clean sheet against the Hammers.
Defence
Cristian Romero has served his three-match suspension and is expected to be recalled to the Tottenham lineup, most likely replacing Emerson Royal to partner Ben Davies in central defence. The centre-back duo have to be at the top of their games to contain Jarrod Bowen.
Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie should retain their places at right-back and left-back in the Tottenham lineup, respectively. They will provide width and energy to the team going forward but must also fulfil their defensive responsibilities.
Midfield
Giovani Lo Celso has played very well and scored in the last two games, so he deserves to keep his place in the team. The Argentinean is likely to partner Yves Bissouma in the middle of the park in the Tottenham lineup, with the duo hoping to calmly progress the ball and create opportunities in the final third for their teammates.
Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Oliver Skipp are set to provide cover as substitutes.
Dejan Kulusevski has reveled in his new No.10 role in recent games, and the Swede will be looking to continue his good form in midweek.
Attack
Richarlison made a surprise return to the matchday squad against Man City just 24 days after undergoing groin surgery, coming off the substitutes’ bench in the closing stages. However, it remains unlikely to see the Brazilian thrown into the starting Tottenham lineup so quickly, so a front three of Bryan Gil, Son Heung-min and Brennan Johnson could link up in the final third against West Ham.
The in-form Son will operate through the middle, with Gil and Johnson bringing pace, dynamism and unpredictability from wide areas in the Tottenham lineup.