Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has shared his score prediction ahead of Tottenham Hotspur’s crunch match against West Ham United on Sunday afternoon.
The fixture is always a hotly contested affair between the two London rivals, however, this fixture also has the added incentive of looking to finish in the top four of the Premier League and secure Champions League football for next season.
Heading into the weekend, the Hammers sit a place above Spurs in the table thanks to their +3 goal difference, while Antonio Conte’s side have a game in hand.
Merson believes that Tottenham will secure the bragging rights and a vital three points, believing that the Hammers will be drained following their exertions in the Europa League victory against Sevilla.
He told SportsKeeda prior to West Ham’s European tie: “Much like Leicester City, West Ham have European commitments to cater to as they prepare to face UEFA Europa League favorites Sevilla. Whatever happens in the tie, the Hammers will be drained heading into the game and that could play into Tottenham’s hands.
“This is a massive London derby and could have a few goals in it. Spurs, in my opinion, were the better team against Manchester United despite losing, so I fancy them to win this one. Harry Kane is back in red-hot form and has really stepped up and delivered under Antonio Conte, but was there ever any doubt about the Englishman’s ability?
“When Conte came in, a lot of people referred to him as a defensive coach with a rather negative brand of football. However, what’s important is that Conte’s center forwards always score goals. Be it Diego Costa at Chelsea or Romelu Lukaku at Inter Milan, that has always been the case and it has seemingly continued at Tottenham with Kane.
“The cream always rises to the top, so I don’t find it surprising that Kane’s found his shooting boots at the business end of the season. He’s a top player and is flourishing under a fantastic coach.
“Prediction: Tottenham Hotspur 3-1 West Ham United.”
SpursWeb Opinion
Nothing less than three points will do for Spurs at this stage of the season and should be beating West Ham on our own turf in any case if we have aspirations of being a top four club.
The performance against Brighton was encouraging, but Conte needs to be mindful of the aerial threat that West Ham pose from set pieces which is something that his Spurs side has struggled to defend in recent weeks.