The race for the Premier League’s top four heats up on this evening at another peculiar kick off time – 20:15, as Tottenham Hotspur travel across London to face West Ham United in a pivotal derby clash.
Currently sitting in fifth place, Tottenham are just three points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa, with a game in hand. A victory would see them leapfrog Villa and reclaim their Champions League qualification spot.
We currently sit in seventh place and are also harbouring European ambitions. The Irons are four points adrift of sixth-placed Manchester United but we remain well within reach of a potential Europa League spot.
Tottenham in Crucial Derby Clash at West Ham
The Hammers will need to turn things around quickly after suffering a demoralising 4-3 defeat to Newcastle United, a match where we had initially held a commanding 3-1 lead. This loss extended their winless run to three games.
While Spurs secured a dramatic last-gasp victory over Luton Town on Saturday, their away form remains dodgy. They have only managed six wins in their 14 away league games this season.
West Ham will be looking to secure a league double over their London rivals after their 2-1 win at Tottenham earlier this season. However, the Hammers were held to a 1-1 draw in the corresponding fixture at the London Stadium last year.
West Ham will be without first-choice goalkeeper Alphonse Areola due to a groin injury, Fabianski is expected to replace him.
Nayef Aguerd could return to the West Ham backline, but midfielder Edson Alvarez remains suspended.
Michail Antonio is a potential starter for the Hammers, with Tomas Soucek and James Ward-Prowse likely to play.