Tottenham Hotspur v West Ham United Premier League preview

Tottenham will be looking to give their fans something to cheer about on Monday after a goalless draw on boxing day as they host a West Ham side coming off the back of a big win.

Tottenham Hostpur

A goalless draw at Fulham on boxing day was a respectable draw, but Harry Redknapp will be looking for his side to pick up 3 points in this one. He has a fantastic record against his former sides and his team looks superior on paper. However they have to breach a West Ham defence that has conceded only a controversial penalty goal in their last 2 games. Tottenham themselves have 3 straight clean sheets and have faced tougher striker partnerships than of West Ham. They couldn’t break down the Fulham defence on Saturday, but will have better success against West Ham. Niko Kranjcar and even the returning Luka Modric have the ability to cause this West Ham defence problems. Jermain Defoe and Tom Huddlestone were rested, indicating that their boss expects them to play a big role in this game (or were just fatigued).

Form
DLWWD

Injuries/Suspensions
David Bentley
Jonathan Woodgate
Carlo Cudicini

West Ham United

A first half penalty converted by Alessandro Diamanti spurred West Ham on to a valuable victory on boxing day over relegation rivals Portsmouth. They head into this game outside of the relegation zone by 1 point. When these two sides met earlier in the season West Ham took the lead through a great strike from Carlton Cole. His terrible backpass aided Spurs on to a 2-1 victory. Fast forward a few more months; Carlton Cole is missing and Spurs are battling for European football. West Ham fans won’t be feeling confident heading into this match despite a big improvement from their defence since the return of Matthew Upson. Jermain Defoe is likely to cause them problems again as is Niko Kranjcar on West Ham’s right hand side. While a good midfield remains in tact and may fancy their chances against a vulnerable Spurs defence, holding them out is a different matter. Spurs have the strength to outscore West Ham if necessary.

Form
LLLDW

Injuries/Suspensions
Daniel Gabbidon
Kieron Dyer
Zavon Hines
Carlton Cole
Calum Davenport
Luis Boa Morte

Despite different results on boxing day, I still question West Ham’s fitness levels at short notice. Tottenham are a top team in the Premier League this season and West Ham have put themselves amongst the relegation contenders. I am expecting a home win in this one.

Best bet: Tottenham to win 4/9