Premier League
West Ham vs Tottenham Preview
- Date: Saturday, November 23, 2019
- Time: 7:30 am (EST)
- Network: NBCSN
- Location: London, England
- Venue: London Stadium
- Seating Capacity: 66,000
Jose Mourinho returns to the dugout when he makes his debut against West Ham United.
Mourinho and Spurs travel to London Stadium to face Manuel Pellegrini’s struggling Hammers.
Both sides come to this meet needing to come out the bottom tier of the table. One point separates both clubs from each other in the standings. A win would get both sides away from relegation standings and perhaps give each side some breathing room.
Pellegrini is on a hot seat, while Mourinho starts one of his biggest challenges in his career since his time in Serie A with Inter Milan.
Team News
Mourinho will be without the services of Erik Lamela, Hugo Lloris and Michel Vorm for his first match back in Premier League. Both Lamela and Lloris continue to rehabilitate hamstring and elbow injuries, respectively. Meanwhile, Vorm suffers from a calf strain and will miss the rest of the month. Tanguy Ndombele (groin) and Jan Vertonghen (hamstring) are doubtful for Saturday’s match.
For West Ham, Pellegrini will see a return of Michail Antonio. However, Lukasz Fabianski and Manuel Lanzini are definitely out. However, midfielder Jack Wilshere remains doubtful while Mark Noble will likely return after an ankle injury.
Starting Lineups
West Ham United XI: Roberto; Zabaleta, Balbuena, Diop, Cresswell; Rice, Noble; Yarmolenko, Anderson, Antonio; Haller.
Tottenham Hotspur XI: Gazzaniga; Foyth, Sanchez, Alderweireld, Rose; Ndombele, Sissoko; Eriksen, Dele, Son; Kane.
West Ham vs Tottenham Preview
Last time the two sides met, West Ham delivered the Spurs first lost at the club’s new stadium. Despite their unsuccessful campaign, this London derby always renders a pretty even contest.
Additionally, the Hammers have sang I’m forever blowing bubbles four times, while the Lilywhites have emerged victories on five occasions.
Nevertheless, the last time the Hammers won at home against the Spurs was in a 1-0 win in May 2017.
With the return of Mourinho to the Premier League, the edge remain on Tottenham for a win. Unfortunately, for Pellegrini, this may be the drop that overflows the cup and seemingly signalling his exit from the East London side.
Prediction: West Ham 2 – 3 Tottenham
Written by Edgar Gomez
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Photo credit to hoang back via Flickr
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