Vital points for both Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham United are at stake in this London derby on Tuesday. Both teams dropped points in their first games back after the enforced shutdown over 100 days ago. Tottenham 1-1 with Manchester United, while West Ham were woeful in their home defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers.
Vital Points at Stake for Both Tottenham and West Ham
Dropped Points Not an Option for Jose Mourinho and David Moyes
Tottenham performed well in patches against Manchester United, but the two dropped points leave them eighth in the table and nine points adrift of fourth-placed Chelsea.
West Ham United were poor in their defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers. Wolves took all three points in a two-nil victory leaving West Ham in 17th place, only outside the bottom three on goal difference.
Neither team can afford to drop points, and this should be a frantic London Derby.
So Many Games, So Many Changes?
The return to action this late in the day means that games are coming thick and fast and that will give managers a real headache when it comes to team selections. This includes Juan Foyth (knee), Troy Parrott (appendix) and Japhet Tanganga, who is likely to be out with a back injury.
Lucas Moura is fit to play, overcoming the head injury that kept him out of the 1-1 draw with United.
Son Heung-Min and Steven Bergwign are likely to continue in attacking roles, with Dele Alli returning from his suspension. Harry Winks and Moussa Sissoko were strong in midfield against United and are set to continue in the centre of midfield for Tottenham.
Ahead of the Manchester United game, the selection that raised eyebrows was the dropping of both Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld. Davinson Sanchez looked shaky on Friday night and was caught out of position on more than one occasion. Expect to see either Alderweireld or Vertonghen partner Sánchez for Tuesday’s visit of West Ham.
West Ham United Lacking Confidence
West Ham looked low on fitness and low on confidence against Wolves. They were toothless up front and afforded Wolves so much space that the scoreline flattered the Hammers.
Defeat against Tottenham in a game where they often raise their game is unthinkable for David Moyes. Without the passion of both sets of fans in what is usually a vociferous atmosphere, things might be different on the pitch as well.
Vital Points Dropped Will Have Repercussions
Should Spurs drop points then their challenge for the top four will be all but over, and it will result in a poor season for the North London club.
Defeat wouldn’t relegate West Ham, but it will make their chances of survival diminish further. This is a game that no one will want to make mistakes in.
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