West Ham vs Tottenham preview | Latest team news | Expected Line-up’s | Prediction

Jose Mourinho will take charge of his first game as Tottenham manager when they take on West Ham at the London Stadium on Saturday afternoon. 

Mauricio Pochettino was sacked by chairman Daniel Levy on Tuesday night just months after leading Tottenham to their first ever Champions League final and Mourinho was swiftly unveiled as his replacement on Wednesday morning.

The former Chelsea boss says he’s refreshed and ready for a new challenge after being sacked by Manchester United 11 months ago but he faces a tough challenge to get Tottenham back in the mix for a top four place this season.

Spurs currently sit 14th in the Premier League table and 11 points off fourth place after drawing at home to Sheffield United before the international break so Mourinho needs to make an immediate impact if Tottenham are to stand a chance of qualifying for the Champions League.

The Portuguese coach will be up against Manuel Pellegrini and he’s feeling the heat at the London Stadium as West Ham sit in the bottom three following a poor start to the season but they can climb above Tottenham with a win tomorrow.

Team news

Tottenham will continue to be without Hugo Lloris as he’s still recovering from an elbow injury while Michel Vorm is also ruled out with a calf strain so Paulo Gazzaniga is certain to start in goal.

Erik Lamela misses the game due to a hamstring problem and Jan Vertonghen is a doubt with his own hamstring complaint so Toby Alderweireld could start alongside Davinson Sanchez in defence.

Tanguy Ndombele will face a late fitness test on a groin injury so Harry Winks is expected to line-up along with Moussa Sissoko in midfield tomorrow afternoon.

West Ham have been boosted by the news that Mark Noble has recovered from an ankle problem while Michail Antonio is also available again after overcoming a hamstring issue.

However, Lukasz Fabianski remains on the sidelines with a hip injury so Roberto will continue in goal while Manuel Lanzini is out with a fractured collarbone.

Expected line-ups

Predicted score

West Ham 1-2 Tottenham: All eyes will be on Jose Mourinho as he looks to turn Tottenham’s season around but this will be a tricky derby as Spurs are winless in their last 12 league away games and West Ham are desperate for points. However, Mourinho should have a positive impact on the Tottenham squad and I expect their form to improve over the coming weeks.

Spurs also boast a strong record in this fixture as they’ve won three of their last five away games against the Hammers and Pellegrini’s side have been woeful for much of the season. I expect a decent game but fancy Tottenham to edge it to give Mourinho a winning start to life in north London.