Harry Redknapp explains why he thinks West Ham United might have a golden opportunity against Tottenham to end their losing streak and return to winning ways.
The only thing dominating the mind of anyone associated with Spurs right now is the prospect of making the Europa League final.
They carry a 3-1 advantage into the second leg at Bodo/Glimt next Thursday, and Postecoglou believes that Tottenham will get the job done in Norway if they bring their A-game.
The London derby at West Ham on Sunday will be treated as little more than a distraction by the Lilywhites as evidenced by the fact that most of the questions in Postecoglou’s pre-match press conference were about the Europa League.
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Harry Redknapp expects West Ham to edge out Tottenham
West Ham are now winless in their last seven matches, with their last victory coming all the way back in February against Leicester City.
However, Redknapp believes they have a golden opportunity to get a narrow win on the board, given that Ange Postecoglou will rest many of his key players.
When asked to predict the result of Sunday’s London derby, the former Tottenham manager told BetVictor: “West Ham have just had a disastrous season and to be honest, they’re quite fortunate the bottom three have been so poor. The owners were targeting Europe at the start of the season – they’re currently fourth bottom!
“Tottenham aren’t much better though. A defeat here would be their 20th in the Premier League! I just think Spurs, like Man Utd, will rest so many players to focus on the Europa League. The Hammers should take advantage of that and get the win.”
Score prediction: West Ham 1-0 Tottenham.
A great opportunity for Spurs fringe players to impress
While Spurs may not have anything to play for in the Premier League collectively as a unit, the case is very different for individual players.
Many of Tottenham’s squad players, including the likes of Mathys Tel, Pape Sarr, Djed Spence, Wilson Odobert and others are potentially playing for a place in the starting eleven in a European final.
A few others will also be ready to step in if there is another injury, which certainly cannot be ruled out, given the way things have gone for Tottenham this season.