LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 26: Son Heung-Min of Tottenham Hotspur looks dejected after Ollie Watkins of Aston Villa (not pictured) scores the team's second goal during the Premier League match between Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on November 26, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)
This Thursday night, Tottenham Hotspur will host West Ham United at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in an attempt to win the London derby and earn as many points as possible. In the weeks leading up to this midweek match, Spurs gained much-needed confidence after a hard-fought 3-3 draw away at Manchester City.
For this match, Angelos Postecoglu’s team will line up in a 4-3-3 formation, though he may make a few changes to his starting lineup. From the outset of this match, both Cristian Romero and Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg will have the opportunity to play.
Guglielmo Vicario, who gave up three goals in his most recent league game, will look to prove himself as Tottenham’s starting goalkeeper. Ben Davies and Cristian Romero will aim to maintain stability in the defensive third of the pitch by putting on a strong show together.
While Destiny Udogie looks to establish himself as a capable left-back, Pedro Porro will cover for him as the right-back. If Tottenham is to reduce the opportunities that West Ham create from wide areas, then both of them will need to maintain discipline at the back.
Emerson Royal will provide coverage for the reserve defensive positions.
midfield
Postecoglu’s midfield will consist of Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg, Yves Bissouma, and Giovani Lo Celso. Their primary responsibility would be to maintain good possession and generate some obvious opportunities in the opposition’s half.
Oliver Skipp will have to settle for a bench spot, though he may enter the game late if necessary to impact the outcome.
Assault
Dejan Kulusevski will look to make an impact as the right-sided wide player, but Brennan Johnson will get the nod to draw attention on the left wing. In the last third, Tottenham’s attack will be led by Heung-min Son. Before this London derby, he should be in high spirits because he managed to score against Man City.
Richarlison will be available for selection on the bench as he waits for his chance to shine in the final quarter of the game if Spurs are in need of a goal by then.
