Alious
Tottenham Hotspur face a crucial Premier League encounter this Saturday as they welcome their London rivals West Ham United in what promises to be an intense derby clash at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The 12:30pm kickoff presents Ange Postecoglou’s side with an opportunity to revive their campaign after recent setbacks.
Despite showcasing their attacking prowess and dominating possession in many matches this season, Spurs have been their own worst enemy. A combination of defensive lapses and wasteful finishing has seen them slip to ninth place in the league standings, a position that hardly reflects their true potential under Postecoglou’s progressive system.
The timing of this fixture adds extra intrigue, with West Ham arriving in N17 sitting 12th but buoyed by an impressive 4-1 victory over Ipswich Town in their previous outing. The Hammers’ confidence could make them dangerous opponents for a Spurs side seeking consistency.
On the team news front, there’s positive developments for the home side. Son Heung-min and Richarlison have both recovered from their injuries, significantly boosting Postecoglou’s attacking options. While Lucas Bergvall has shaken off an international break knock and is available for selection, Wilson Odobert remains sidelined.
The anticipated lineup suggests minimal disruption, with just one significant change expected. Son Heung-min is likely to reclaim his place on the left wing, replacing Timo Werner who struggled to make an impact against Brighton. Werner, who commands a £165,000 weekly salary, may have to settle for a place on the bench.
The rest of the team should maintain a familiar look, with Vicario protected by a back four of Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, and Udogie. The midfield trio of Kulusevski, Bentancur, and Maddison aims to control proceedings, while the in-form Brennan Johnson – fresh from scoring for Wales against Iceland – joins Son and Solanke in attack. Richarlison provides a potent option from the bench as Spurs seek to climb back up the table.
Alious
