Thomas Frank brings his Tottenham side to the London Stadium for Saturday’s 5:30 kick-off — Spurs’ first game since the departure of long-serving chairman Daniel Levy.
Djed Spence made his England debut in midweek as the Three Lions beat Serbia 5-0, with West Ham skipper Jarrod Bowen impressing as a late substitute. Tottenham arrive in fourth with two wins and a defeat, while the Hammers sit 16th after our solitary 3-0 victory against Nottingham Forest.
Magassa could make his debut against Tottenham
New Signings
Soungoutou Magassa could make his West Ham debut following his move from Monaco, though returning keeper Łukasz Fabiański is unlikely to feature.
For Spurs, exciting Dutch trickster Xavi Simons could make his first appearance. Despite only training once with his new teammates before heading to Holland during the international break, winning his 29th cap. Expect him to slot straight into Frank’s line-up.
All eyes will also be on Mohammed Kudus, who returns to the London Stadium following his controversial summer switch from West Ham to Spurs — with boos expected.
West Ham v Tottenham: Simmons is a likely starter for Spurs
Injury News
Tottenham: Dominic Solanke is edging closer to a return after two frustrating injuries, but Yves Bissouma and summer signing Kota Takai remain sidelined. Radu Dragusin has returned to training, but Dejan Kulusevski’s recovery is taking longer than hoped. Spurs’ biggest blow is James Maddison, who ruptured his ACL in pre-season and will miss most of the campaign.
West Ham: Niclas Füllkrug is still unavailable after picking up a knock on international duty, though the injury is not as bad as first feared. Callum Marshall returned unscathed from playing against Germany, and Crysencio Summerville is fit, having trained well this week as C&H exclusively reported on Monday.
Potter has much to ponder in his team selection. It will be interesting to see if he starts Summerville and Magassa
Predicted Line-ups
| Potter’s Likely XI | My XI |
|---|---|
| GK: Hermansen | GK: Hermansen |
| RB: Wan-Bissaka | RB: Walker-Peters |
| CB: Mavropanos | CB: Mavropanos |
| CB: Kilman | CB: Kilman |
| LB: Diouf | LB: Diouf |
| CM: Ward-Prowse | CM: Magassa |
| CM: Souček | CM: Fernandes |
| CAM: Paquetá | CAM: Paquetá |
| RM: Bowen | RW: Bowen |
| LM: Fernandes | LW: Summerville |
| CF: Wilson | CF: Wilson |
Prediction
This is a tough one to call, but I believe West Ham can take something from the game. Potter’s summer signings have strengthened the problem midfield area, while Summerville offers added pace and counter-attacking threat.
If Potter is brave with his selections, the Hammers have the quality to cause Spurs real problems. I’ll go for a 1-1 draw with Wilson to score — but as Del Boy once said, “He who dares, Rodders.” This game is there to be won if West Ham go for it.
Luvly Jubbly, can’t wait for this one. Come On You Irons!
Totally agreed on your lineup.
Based on the 9 minute highlight video I’ve seen of Magassa he’ll probably get some soft Premier League booking within the first 20 mins – tell your friends and family in Brazil it’s a dead cert.
This could genuinely be anything from a solid one goal win to an absolute drubbing.
I along with 99% of hammers fans would pick your team. However I can’t see the clueless Potter changing from a back 5 with 2 DM’s
Can’t see any of our youngsters in the team of 99% hammers fans, Ted.
All the calls for Earthy, Potts, Marshall, Scarles, Guilherme and others must have come from the overpublished 1%.
PS I’m with you and your selections too. COYI