Tottenham Hotspur can cut Chelsea’s lead at the top of the Premiership to a solitary point if they beat local rivals West Ham at the London Stadium tonight.
Only four points separate the two teams currently, but with Chelsea not playing until Monday night, Spurs can put some real pressure on Antonio Conte’s men by beating the Hammers. A win would also see Spurs’ victory tally in the league go to 24- their most in a season since 1966/67. They’ve already created a bit of history this season with last week’s 2-0 win over Arsenal that guarantees them a finish above their bitter North London rivals for the first time in 22 years.
It has been a disappointing season, mildly put, for West Ham fans. After performing so well last season it was hoped that the club would progress to the next level this campaign but instead they appear to have taken a step backward. Nevertheless, with 39 points to their name, they are all but safe, but would be aiming for a point or even better, three, against the Lilywhites to confirm their top flight status next season.
After suffering five losses in a row between March and early April and having been in danger of getting relegated, the Hammers have managed to steady the ship. They have picked up six points in their last four matches winning one and drawing three, beating Swansea in what was effectively a relegation six pointer and drawing against Everton and Stoke.
Slaven Bilic has opted for three at the back in recent fixtures to allow Fonte, Collins and Reid to all take the pitch, and this has worked very well defensively for West Ham, with Spaniard Adrian also back in goal at the expense of Darren Randolph. They’ve kept clean sheets in their last two games and wing backs Masuaku and Fernandes have done well too, especially the former, who is now keeping a fit Aaron Cresswell on the bench. Norwegian Havard Nordveit had a solid game in midfield against Stoke alongside the ever impressive Cheikhou Kouyate and should keep his spot ahead of Mark Noble.
After facing Spurs, West Ham have a difficult home match against Liverpool followed by a final day clash at Turf Moor against Burnley. They would not want to leave it to the last day, with some murmurs in the press that their performance in the last two home games could decide the fate of Bilic. The Hammers are one of several clubs who have been linked with Hull’s in demand boss Marco Silva.
While West Ham have been solid defensively, they’ve lacked that cutting touch in attack, with Calleri and Ayew trying their best, but not enough to break down opposition defences. Manuel Lanzini has been their greatest creative outlet and much will again be expected from the Argentine, with Andy Carroll again expected to miss out today due to injury and Diafra Sakho joining Michail Antonio on the sidelines.
This time last season Spurs buckled under the pressure of chasing leaders Leicester City and this campaign they seem determined to put things right. They had a massive test at the weekend against bitter rivals Arsenal which they passed with flying colors. It was the Alli and Kane combination that unlocked the Gunners defence once again.
If Spurs are going to win the league this season they will need to win all of their remaining games starting at West Ham. If they do beat the Hammers, they will then face Manchester United at home (their last game at WHL before moving to Wembley for next season), followed by two away games at Leicester and Hull.
Recent Form Guide: West Ham United
Stoke 0-0 West Ham
West Ham 0-0 Everton
Sunderland 2-2 West Ham
West Ham 1-0 Swansea
Arsenal 3-0 West Ham
Recent Form Guide: Tottenham Hotspur
Tottenham 2-0 Arsenal
Palace 0-1 Tottenham
Chelsea 4-2 Tottenham
Tottenham 4-0 Bournemouth
Tottenham 4-0 Watford
Referee for this one is Anthony Taylor, who oversaw Spurs’ 4-0 win over Bournemouth last month. West Ham’s last game with him in the middle was back on New Year’s Eve, which they lost 1-0 to Leicester City.