The Premier League returns following the international break, with Tottenham looking to rebound from a flat performance and defeat in their last outing. As the season resumes its stop-start rhythm, Spurs hope to quickly get back to winning ways. For historical context, the last time Tottenham played a Premier League match without Daniel Levy’s involvement in the club’s hierarchy was on December 18, 2000—a 1-1 draw against Arsenal featuring a lineup with Sol Campbell as captain, Tim Sherwood in midfield, and Les Ferdinand up front.
Opponent Focus: West Ham United
West Ham endured a dismal start to their campaign, looking like relegation candidates after heavy defeats to Sunderland (0-3 at home) and Chelsea (1-5 away). Their poor form continued with a 3-2 League Cup exit at the hands of Wolves. However, their fortunes turned dramatically in their last match against Nottingham Forest, where a late surge produced three goals in just seven minutes.
This inconsistency makes the Hammers unpredictable, though they may lack the overall quality to seriously threaten Tottenham if Spurs perform to their potential. Key players to watch include the ever-dangerous Jarrod Bowen, who consistently performs at a high level. Tomáš Souček is a significant threat from set-pieces, particularly with James Ward-Prowse delivering his trademark precision from corners and free-kicks. On his day, Lucas Paquetá can also be a formidable opponent.
Despite their recent scoring form, having found the net in their last five home games, West Ham have failed to win any of their last six Premier League matches at the London Stadium, recording three draws and three losses. Intriguingly, the last three encounters between these two sides at this venue have all ended in a 1-1 draw. Tottenham have not secured an away league victory against West Ham since just before the 2019-20 season shutdown, a record they will be keen to break.
Team News
Tottenham are contending with a significant number of injuries. Dominik Solanke (ankle), Dejan Kulusevski (knee), James Maddison (ACL), Kota Takai (foot), and Radu Dragusin (ACL) are all expected to be unavailable.
West Ham have brought in veteran goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski on a short-term contract and secured Igor Julio on loan from Brighton. Their injury list includes Niclas Füllkrug (calf), Luis Guilherme (shoulder), and George Earthy (ankle).
Predicted Lineups and Tactics
After the formation that proved effective against Manchester City failed to deliver at home against Bournemouth, manager Thomas Frank faces a tactical dilemma. West Ham are expected to set up defensively and rely on counter-attacks, meaning Spurs will need creativity in midfield to break them down. This could open the door for Xavi Simons to make his first start.
The fitness of Tottenham’s South American contingent is also a concern. Rodrigo Bentancur played a full match for Uruguay against Chile, while Richarlison played 60 minutes at high altitude in Bolivia, with both games taking place mid-week. Cristian Romero, having served a suspension for Argentina’s second match, may be better rested after only playing in their first game over a week ago.
The defence and goalkeeper are likely to remain unchanged, with Djed Spence currently the first choice at left-back. Should Romero require a rest, Kevin Danso is a capable defensive replacement, though his passing range is not on the same level as the Argentinian’s.
The midfield selection is less certain. João Palhinha could retain his spot to provide defensive stability, potentially allowing Frank to field a creative duo of Lucas Bergvall and Xavi Simons. However, Pape Matar Sarr’s strong performances against Burnley and Man City, particularly his effectiveness in winning back possession, might see him favoured over Bergvall. Another option is a midfield three with two number eights, such as Bentancur and Sarr, playing behind Simons.
In attack, Richarlison’s form is a talking point. After a strong pre-season and impressive goals against Burnley and Man City, he struggled against Bournemouth. The upcoming match against West Ham may suit his style better, but fatigue from international travel could be a factor. With Randal Kolo Muani still building match fitness, options are limited. On the right, Mohammed Kudus is set to start upon his return to his former home ground. On the left, Wilson Odobert may be preferred over Brennan Johnson, who often struggles against deep-lying defences. Alternatively, Simons could be deployed on the wing to accommodate Bergvall in a central role.
