Tottenham will aim to win for the first time since October when they welcome London rivals West Ham this evening. Ange Postecoglou is likely to make a couple of changes from the 3-3 draw at Manchester City, while Richarlison could cause an awkward moment if he plays. Express Sport picks the XI we expect Tottenham to line up with against the Hammers.
Goalkeeper – Vicario
Guglielmo Vicario has proven to be one of the signings of the summer. The Italian has barely put a foot wrong since his arrival from Empoli.
Back-up keeper Fraser Forster signed a new contract on Wednesday to commit himself to Spurs until 2025. However, the England international knows he is very much second fiddle to Vicario, despite him not keeping a clean sheet in his last five outings.
Defence – Porro, Romero, Davies, Udogie
Tottenham will be boosted by the return of Cristian Romero. The Argentine is finally back following the red card he received in the 4-1 loss to Chelsea.
He will likely come straight into the team in place of Emerson Royal. Ben Davies is the only other fit centre-back and will partner Romero.
Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie have impressed in their full-back roles. Eric Dier is out with an injury, while Micky van de Ven continues to be absent with a hamstring problem.
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Midfield – Bissouma, Hojbjerg, Lo Celso
Yves Bissouma’s return from suspension against City was timely. The midfielder was guilty of an error leading to City’s third goal but is a key cog in Posteocglou’s side.
This game comes too soon for Pape Sarr, although he may return for Sunday’s match against Newcastle. Spurs were more solid once Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg came on at the Etihad.
The Dane has made just two Premier League starts this season but could earn a third this evening in place of Bryan Gil. Giovani Lo Celso has scored in his last two and has earned another start in James Maddison’s absence.
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Attack – Kulusevski, Son, Johnson
Richarlison is unlikely to start after only returning as a late substitute against City following minor groin surgery. But there could be an awkward moment if he does play.
West Ham striker Michail Antonio revealed in August that Richarlison won’t shake his hand following comments he made about the Brazilian last season. Hammers star Lucas Paqueta, who is also Richarlison’s international team-mate, told Antonio that the Spurs man was not happy with his criticism of him.
The tweak in midfield could see Dejan Kulusevski move back out wide after playing as a No 10 in recent matches. Son Heung-min will look to continue his fine form, with summer signing Brennan Johnson playing from the left.
Tottenham predicted XI vs West Ham: Vicario; Porro, Romero, Davies, Udogie; Bissouma, Hojbjerg, Lo Celso; Kulusevski, Son, Johnson.
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