Spurs vs West Ham Preview, Team News, Likely Line-Ups, Key Man & Predicted Score

Tottenham Hotspur entertain London rivals West Ham on Sunday afternoon looking to move level on points with league leaders Liverpool.

The Reds moved top with a 3-1 win over Crystal Palace on Saturday afternoon so Spurs will need all three points against the Hammers to keep pace with Brendan Rodgers men.

Andre Villas-Boas side were held to a 1-1 draw by Chelsea last weekend but despite the draw, they’ve dropped just five points from their opening six games in what’s been an impressive start to the new campaign.

The north Londoners warmed up for the visit of West Ham with a comfortable 2-0 win against Anzhi Makachkala in the Europa League on Thursday with AVB making several changes to his starting line-up.

West Ham arrive at the Lane desperate for points having picked up just 2 from the last 15 on offer, with goal-scoring a particular problem for Sam Allardyce’s side.

Team News

Tottenham will make a number of changes after Villas-Boas rested his key men in midweek. Jan Vertonghen and Paulinho didn’t make the trip to Russia so are certain to be recalled, while the likes of Andros Townsend, Christian Eriksen, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Michael Dawson are also likely to start.

Defender Younes Kaboul picked up a knock against Anzhi so is unlikely to feature and he joins Etienne Capoue and Aaron Lennon on the sidelines.

Jermain Defoe staked his claim for a starting spot with another well-taken goal on Thursday but AVB seems to prefer Roberto Soldado up front, despite the Spaniard’s indifferent start to life in England.

West Ham have been boosted by the return of Joe Cole to the squad after he recovered from a hamstring injury. However, the playmaker is likely to be named among the subs due to a lack of match fitness.

Striker Andy Carroll remains out with a heel injury and he joins long-term injury victim Alou Diarra on the sidelines.

Likely Line-Ups

Key Man

Gylfi Sigurdsson: The Icelandic midfielder has been in excellent form of late and was on the score-sheet again last weekend against Chelsea. We think he’ll be the one to watch this weekend with his clever runs in to the box from the left wing likely to cause the Hammers defence some problems.

Predicted Score

Tottenham 2-0 West Ham: Spurs are in excellent form in both defence and attack, conceding just two goals all season, while the visitors are struggling to find the back of the net. This can only mean a comfortable win for the home side.

What would be your starting eleven and whats your predicted score? Share your views below.