Ahead of today’s game against rivals Tottenham Hotspur, we spoke to Read Tottenham editor, Michael Brown, to find out a bit more about Spurs and what they think of West Ham.
What do you make of West Ham’s start to the season?
So far West Ham have been one of the most exciting teams to watch, whenever West Ham attack they always look like scoring and can get goals from anywhere, the strikers and midfield are more than capable of chipping in with a few goals.
How has Tottenham’s season started?
This will sound bias but so far Spurs look like the team to beat, we have gone unbeaten in the Premier League since the opening day defeat to Manchester United and at the start of the season everyone was criticising Kane because he was having a goal drought but like West Ham we have midfielders who can also chip in with the goals if Kane doesn’t.
Who is Tottenham’s current key player?
This is a tough one but I have to say Kane, we have defended well this season but without Kane’s goals and link up play some of the wins we have had would’ve either been a draw or even a defeat.
Predicted XI?
I don’t seem the line up being any different from the previous game at Arsenal to be honest:
Lloris, Walker, Vertonghen, Alderweireld, Rose, Dier, Alli, Dembele, Lamela, Eriksen, Kane.
What should West Ham expect to see from Spurs in the form of tactics?
Danny Rose and Walker love to get forward from the back with Dier holding the fort while Alli goes up in support. I expect Dembele, Eriksen and Lamela to move around between themselves and support Kane in attack. Set pieces are also where we can exploit team as Eriksen delivers a great ball.
This game means a huge amount to the fans but do you think the tie will be a feisty affair? Any red cards?
I hope the game has a feisty side to it as it gets the supporters behind you and shows that the derby means something to you. If anyone is going to be dismissed, I can only see it being Mark Noble or Erik Dier.
West Ham and Spurs are level on points, where do you think both teams will finish come the end of the season?
Well losing Payet is a massive blow to West Ham and I think without him West Ham will drop a few points not having him available. Spurs will just sneak into the Champions League and I think West Ham will end up 7th or 6th at a push.
Finally, can we have a prediction for Saturday’s match?
2-1 to Spurs.
