Spurs, West Ham go head-to-head in Saturday’s London derby.
Tottenham vs. West Ham kicks off at 15:00 [GMT] on Saturday, January 17, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Tottenham [LWDDL] and West Ham renew their London rivalry in a Premier League clash layered with pressure, history, and contrasting trends, as both sides look to correct worrying patterns in their respective campaigns. While derbies often defy form, the underlying numbers suggest clear tactical storylines that could shape the outcome. Tottenham enter the match aiming to complete a league double over West Ham for the first time since the 2019–20 season, having already claimed a convincing 3-0 victory at the London Stadium in September. That result fits into a broader pattern of Spurs dominance in recent meetings, with West Ham winning just one of the last eight league encounters between the sides. However, Spurs’ recent home struggles temper expectations, with only four wins recorded in their last 24 Premier League matches at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Indeed, Tottenham’s home form this season has been historically poor. With just two home league wins after 10 matches, this represents their lowest return at this stage of a league campaign. Compounding that issue is a striking trend in their victories: six of Spurs’ seven league wins this season have come with clean sheets. When conceding even once, Tottenham have won just one of their last 21 Premier League matches, highlighting how crucial defensive control is to their chances. Richarlison is poised to lead the attack, with Spurs expected to take the shape of a 4—2—3—1 formation. Dominic Solanke and five others are unavailable due to injury.
West Ham [LLDLL] arrive under intense scrutiny, currently enduring a 10-game winless run in the league—their longest since the 2006–07 season. Alarmingly, they have also lost all six of their Premier League London derbies this season. Only Fulham and QPR have ever lost seven or more consecutive all-London top-flight matches, putting West Ham on the brink of unwanted history. Defensive vulnerabilities are a major concern for the visitors, particularly from set pieces. West Ham have conceded a league-high 11 headed goals and a division-worst 12 goals from corners. This is especially problematic against a Tottenham side that excels in these situations. This match also carries a personal narrative for West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo, who faces Tottenham for the third successive Premier League game against a former club. Notably, Nuno has a strong away record against Spurs, winning three of his five league visits to north London — including a memorable victory there last season. A 4—2—3—1 formation with Valentín Castellanos in attack is expected against Spurs.
West Ham [LLDLL] arrive under intense scrutiny, currently enduring a 10-game winless run in the league—their longest since the 2006–07 season. Alarmingly, they have also lost all six of their Premier League London derbies this season. Only Fulham and QPR have ever lost seven or more consecutive all-London top-flight matches, putting West Ham on the brink of unwanted history. Defensive vulnerabilities are a major concern for the visitors, particularly from set pieces. West Ham have conceded a league-high 11 headed goals and a division-worst 12 goals from corners. This is especially problematic against a Tottenham side that excels in these situations. This match also carries a personal narrative for West Ham manager Nuno Espírito Santo, who faces Tottenham for the third successive Premier League game against a former club. Notably, Nuno has a strong away record against Spurs, winning three of his five league visits to north London — including a memorable victory there last season. A 4—2—3—1 formation with Valentín Castellanos in attack is expected against Spurs.