Tottenham v West Ham – Betting Preview
Tottenham Hotspur Summary
After refusing to blame Tottenham’s notable absences for the loss to AC Milan on Tuesday, Antonio Conte re-joined the list himself due to a setback in his recovery from gallbladder surgery.
The boss will remain home in Italy for around 8 weeks. The squad has taken to assistant Cristian Stellini however, who took charge of the win against Manchester City during Conte’s initial absence.
Spurs will hope that Newcastle fails to beat Liverpool and if that is the case, then they have a chance of regaining 4th position by beating West Ham. They had that chance last weekend but failed miserably in a horror show of a defeat to Leicester (L4-1), so there is big pressure on winning at home to London rivals from the east end.
Anything less than a win here would be another massive setback.
Tottenham has four absences, led by key creative midfielder Bentancur’s serious and most damaging injuries. He is a hugely underrated player in the EPL, the only type of attacking midfielder at the club unless Kane is dropped back into this position, which may happen at some stage this season or next should the player stay in the club.
Lloris remains out but adding to the centre midfield concerns is that Bissouma is also missing.
In defence, Emerson Royal could make way for Pedro Porro if the host wants to be more attacking and risk-taking.
West Ham Summary
Hammers manager David Moyes knows that a win against one of their most hated rivals Tottenham on Sunday would go a long way to please his increasing doubters at the club.
Before the round begins, West Ham is only two points about the drop zone and scored a pitiful 19 goals in their 22 games so far. They began the season seeking the top six as their objective but are way off that and find themselves much more worried about the bottom three.
A draw would be a good result here and anything more a massive bonus.
Encouraging 1-1 draws against Newcastle and Chelsea suggest they have what it takes to beat the drop and hopes are that they are on an upward curve. Avoiding a loss in Tottenham will continue to build momentum and confidence, both much needed for the Hammers.
Moyes hopes of getting something on Sunday will depend a lot on the fitness of Aguerd and Paqueta, both of which suffered knocks in the battling draw with Chelsea.
Zouma and Cofrnet remain out, along with Scamacca who is yet to settle in the club.
Betting Analysis
Looking at the 1×2 market first. Spurs are the clear favourites @ 1.83. They are not in their greatest form but will see West Ham as a big chance to return to winning ways. The draw is @ 3.75 and the West Ham win is @ 4.40
Moving onto the Asian handicap betting for this contest. The visitor doesn’t travel well and isn’t the best at exposing poor defences, which the home side has. Tottenham needs to win by two clear goals to beat the -0.75 handicap @ 2.06 which looks fair. West Ham +0.75 @1.82 will be very well motivated but will struggle unless they score first. I’d rather be with Spurs to get at least a one-goal win, possibly bigger.
Looking at The Under/Over goal line last of all. I think a closed game without too much intensity suits both teams right now, West Ham so they can defend easier and Spurs as they are preoccupied with a busy schedule including a massive return leg with AC Milan in a couple of weeks. Under 2.5 @ 1.95 could be the value here, over is @ 1.82 and looks too short.
