Prediction: West Ham vs Tottenham

Verdict: Tottenham win

Best Odds: 11/10

Bookmaker: Luckster

Desperate to extend on their Champions League charge on Tuesday night, Tottenham will travel across the capital when they meet West Ham.

West Ham

Starting with the hosts, while West Ham might have punched a Europa League quarter-final ticket earlier in the month, the Hammers are in the midst of an extended domestic wobble. Marking their return from March’s international break with a nightmare collapse away at Newcastle as they eventually slumped to a 4-3 defeat at St. James’ Park, it is no secret that David Moyes has a huge amount of pressure on his shoulders. Facing a real battle in their bid to snatch another European finish in 2024, the one-time Manchester United boss has seen his squad muster just a pair of wins from any of their previous 13 domestic appearances across all competitions. Gaining a real reputation for their glaring defensive issues this season, West Ham have shipped 54 Premier League goals in their 30 top-flight showdowns.

Team News

Missing out away at Newcastle over the weekend and with continued speculation regarding a potential move away from the London Stadium this summer, Morocco international Nayef Aguerd is not expected to feature on Tuesday night. Putting in a nightmare cameo appearance at St. James’ Park on Saturday, Kalvin Phillips will once again settle for a spot on the bench.

Bagging what turned out to be a consolation strike against Newcastle a few days ago and notching 15 Premier League goals this season, England international Jarrod Bowen will play a leading role here. Suffering a knock over the weekend, French shot-stopper Alphonse Areola remains a doubt.

Tottenham

As for the visitors, mounting a dramatic second-half comeback against Luton over the weekend, Tottenham have their sights firmly set on securing a lucrative Champions League return this season. Gaining a string of plaudits following Ange Postecoglou’s arrival in north London last summer, the former Celtic boss will know the importance of making another statement here. Despite heading into March’s international break with a nightmare 3-0 drumming at the hands of Fulham, Tuesday’s guests have suffered just a pair of Premier League defeats since opening the New Year. Mustering nine points from their previous four top-flight showdowns, Spurs should be relishing a trip across the capital in midweek. Despite getting hit with a 2-1 defeat when they welcomed West Ham to north London for their reverse matchup on December 7th, Postecoglou’s side will be smelling the chance to make a major statement of intent.

Team News

All still dealing with respective injury issues, Tottenham will once again be unable to call upon the trio of Fraser Forster, Manor Solomon and ex-Fulham starlet Ryan Sessengnon on Tuesday night. Handed a full rest against Luton over the weekend, Dutch defender Micky van de Men should be handed a full recall here.

Despite dealing with a string of injury issues over the past few months, former Everton star Richarlison could make a first start since February 17th in midweek. While James Maddison might have notched just a single Premier League goal since the end of October, the England international will keep his spot in Postecoglou’s starting XI.

Key Factors to Consider

• When West Ham and Tottenham met for their reverse Premier League showdown on December 7th, the Hammers picked up a 2-1 victory in north London.
• Spurs have won three of their previous four Premier League showdowns.
• Tottenham have suffered just a pair of Premier League defeats since opening up the New Year.
• West Ham have recorded just a pair of wins from any of their previous 13 domestic appearances across all competitions.
• The Hammers have shipped 54 Premier League goals this season and hold the fifth-worst defensive tally among England’s elite.

Conclusion

While West Ham might have snatched a dramatic 2-1 victory when they travelled to north London earlier in the season, the Hammers have drastically struggled to find any kind of domestic stability since opening the New Year. Suffering an infamous collapse away at Newcastle over the weekend as they suffered a 4-3 defeat, Tuesday’s hosts will face another stern examination here. With Tottenham knowing that they face another season-defining affair in midweek, we are backing an away victory for Spurs.

Verdict: Tottenham win

Best Odds: 11/10

Bookmaker: Luckster