The Premier League returns at midday on Saturday with a London derby as Tottenham Hotspur host West Ham United.
Spurs had been in great form and seemed to be racing towards another victory when they went 2-0 up at Brighton & Hove Albion just before the October international break. However, they chucked away that lead as they slid to an embarrassing defeat, leaving Ange Postecoglou gormless at full-time.
The Hammers, meanwhile, managed to put a run of five games without a win behind them last time out when they thumped Ipswich Town 4-1, earning Julen Lopetegui a first home victory in charge in the process.
Here’s 90min’s preview of Saturday’s early kick-off in the Premier League.
Tottenham vs West Ham H2H Record (Last Five Games)
Current form (all competitions)
How to watch Tottenham vs West Ham on TV – UK and US
Tottenham team news
Tottenham captain Son Heung-min has been sidelined with a muscle complaint since the 3-0 Europa League victory over Qarabag but there is hope he could be fit to play on Saturday. If not, loan winger Timo Werner will likely retain his place on the left flank.
There’ll be a decision for manager Postecoglou to make whether he picks Rodrigo Bentancur or Yves Bissouma in central midfield, with both players travelling great distances during the international break.
Richarlison has returned to training, having not played since August, but Wilson Odobert is still on the treatment table and unlikely to feature.
Tottenham predicted lineup vs West Ham (4-3-3): Vicario; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, Udogie; Kulusevski, Bentancur, Maddison; Johnson, Solanke, Son.
West Ham team news
Lopetegui has few injury concerns, though summer signing Niclas Fullkrug was injured in Germany training back in September and won’t be available at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. He hasn’t played for West Ham since a cameo appearance against Manchester City at the end of August.
A strike from Michail Antonio helped the Hammers become the first visiting team to beat Tottenham at their new stadium and the Jamaica international could start up front after scoring his first Premier League goal of the season against Ipswich in their most recent outing.
West Ham predicted lineup vs Tottenham
West Ham predicted vs Tottenham (4-2-3-1): Areola; Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Kilman, Emerson; Rodriguez, Soucek; Bowen, Paqueta, Kudus; Antonio.
Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou has been stewing ever since the defeat at Brighton and will demand a response from his side on Saturday. A win is needed to reestablish his side as top-four contenders but this London derby is often competitive and the Hammers won’t want to roll over for their London rivals.
Lopetegui oversaw a much-needed win against Ipswich and his style of play may well get some success here if the Irons can take advantage of their opportunities.
It could be a high-scoring thriller, but Tottenham might just edge it.
