West Ham host Tottenham Hotspur at the London Stadium on Saturday evening (5:30PM BST), with both sides hoping to kick on as the Premier League resumes after the first international break of the season.
For Spurs, the fixture represents the chance to bounce back after suffering their first defeat of the season prior to the stoppage, while West Ham will be hoping the break hasn’t disrupted the momentum they built up with a vital win last time out.
Team form
West Ham’s season began in chaos, conceding eight goals across their opening two matches in what was their worst-ever Premier League start. A 3-0 defeat to newly promoted Sunderland at the Stadium of Light raised alarm bells, and a 5-1 humbling at home to Chelsea left Graham Potter under significant pressure.
The Hammers looked disjointed at both ends of the pitch, but just as the mood in East London threatened to sour, they produced a spirited display at the City Ground. Three late goals secured a 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest, giving Potter some much-needed breathing space.
Spurs, meanwhile, started with a bang. Thomas Frank’s first league game at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium was a comfortable 3-0 win over Burnley, and that was followed by a statement 2-0 victory away to Manchester City.
Those two performances suggested Tottenham could be the real deal under their new boss, but they hit their first stumbling block before the break, losing 1-0 at home to Bournemouth in a frustrating afternoon in North London.
Frank will be eager for his side to respond quickly after the international break, but this trip to the London Stadium is never straightforward for Spurs.
Head-to-head
Across the last five Premier League meetings, Spurs have claimed two wins compared to West Ham’s one, with two draws thrown in the mix. But it’s worth noting that Tottenham’s victories both came on home soil.
They have not won at the London Stadium since 2019, with the Hammers unbeaten in the last six renewals of this derby, winning three and drawing three. That record may give Potter’s men confidence, even against a Spurs side that looks revitalised under Frank.
Team news
West Ham were handed a fresh injury worry during the international break when Niclas Füllkrug sustained a calf injury while on duty with Germany, and he’s unlikely to be risked. Luis Guilherme is also nearing a return after his pre-season collarbone injury, but this clash may arrive too soon.
Spurs, who have already been rocked by long-term injuries to James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski this season, come into the game with better fitness news. Dominic Solanke and Yves Bissouma are both in line to return to the squad, handing Frank a timely boost in attack and midfield.
Key Stats
Lucas Paquetá has been in fine form, scoring in his last two league appearances and adding another goal for Brazil during the break.
Malick Diouf, one of West Ham’s summer arrivals, has already registered assists against Chelsea and Nottingham Forest.
Brennan Johnson has made a quick start to the season, scoring twice in his first three league matches.
Richarlison has already contributed directly to three league goals (two goals, one assist) this season.
Prediction
This London derby feels like it’s hanging in the balance. West Ham put on a late show against Nottingham Forest and will be eager to repay their home supporters for the embarrassing Chelsea defeat in their first outing of the campaign at the London Stadium. On the flip side, Spurs will want to prove that their loss to Bournemouth was merely a minor blip.
However, given Tottenham’s poor record at this venue and West Ham’s renewed confidence, it would be no surprise if this ended in a draw.
