Tottenham Hotspur head into Sunday’s crunch Premier League clash with West Ham facing injury problems. Goalkeeper Hugo Lloris and midfielder Rodrigo Bentancur will both miss the fixture, leaving the team without two key players.
Spurs will also be without manager Antonio Conte, who has been advised by his doctor to remain at home following gallbladder surgery. The absence of the three men doesn’t bode well for Tottenham.
Last time out at @SpursStadium 💙We're back at home on Sunday 🏡 pic.twitter.com/YfyW8ZEP3F— Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) February 16, 2023
Last time out at @SpursStadium 💙We're back at home on Sunday 🏡 pic.twitter.com/YfyW8ZEP3F
However, Spurs will play 16th-place West Ham, a team they are unbeaten against in three straight games. In the reverse fixture, Tottenham drew 1-1 with the Hammers, as Tomas Soucek cancelled out an earlier own goal.
Tottenham are on a two-game win streak against West Ham at home. Spurs won those games by 2-1 and 3-1 scores, respectively. The north London team will be confident of picking up a third straight home win over West Ham.
Spurs took nine points from the last six league games. Last weekend, Spurs were beaten 4-1 away to Leicester. The defeat ended a two-game winning streak.
West Ham picked up six points from their last six games in the league. The Hammers drew their last two matches in the league against West Ham and Chelsea. Both games ended with identical 1-1 scores.
David Moyes’ team is just two points ahead of the relegation zone. The pressure is on West Ham, who have underperformed this season.
Just one of West Ham’s 11 games on the road this season ended with a win. The Hammers have a road record of 1W-3D-7L, and a goal difference of –7.
Moyes will be without defender Kourt Zouma due to a thigh injury. Goalkeeper Alphonse Areola is a major doubt due to a thigh injury. Maxwel Cornet is still ruled out of action, as is Lucas Paqueta. Moyes is also unlikely to have Gianluca Scamacca, Nayef Aguerd, and Aaron Cresswell available.
Along with Lloris and Bentancur, Tottenham will be missing midfielder Yves Bissouma and left-back Ryan Sessegnon. Bissouma has a foot injury and Sessognon a thigh problem.
The good news for Spurs is Harry Kane will be fit after playing in the Champions League in midweek versus AC Milan. Kane has 17 goals this season in the league.
Kane should power Tottenham to the victory on Sunday at home and could get his 18th goal for the team. Tottenham should get the win against West Ham and potentially move back into the top four at the expense of Newcastle. Spurs should win 2-0, as they cruise to the win.