Tottenham Hotspur are in a close fight with Aston Villa for the last Champions League spot for next year. Last Word on Sports gives our Tottenham predicted lineup for the London derby against David Moyes’ West Ham on April 2, 2024.
Tottenham Hotspur Predicted Lineup vs West Ham in Huge Derby Clash
How Tottenham Hotspur Have Lined Up Recently
Guglielmo Vicaro has been ever-present between the sticks for Spurs this season and has proven to be one of their most important players. However, the defence in front of him has been chopped and changed around thanks to injuries and suspensions.
January arrival, Radu Dragusin has played the last two and a half games for his new team and has looked decent in the absence of Micky Van de Ven. World Cup winner, Cristian Romero was his partner in centre-back, while Pedro Porro and Destiny Udogie are undoubtedly to be Ange Postecoglou’s favoured full-backs.
In midfield, Yves Bissouma and Pape Sarr started their third match together but they have failed to recapture the magic from the beginning of the season, with Bissouma looking a bit lethargic for chunks of the games, most notably, getting beaten by former Spurs winger, Andros Townsend for Luton’s goal last weekend.
James Maddison is irreplaceable in his central attacking midfield role but is also still trying to replicate his best form as he returns from a lengthy spell on the sidelines. On the wings, Dejan Kulusevski and Timo Werner started against Luton with the line being led by the Spurs skipper and talisman, Heung-min Son.
The Swede was hooked at halftime and replaced by Brennan Johnson and we suspect that may be a change made to the starting lineup against West Ham.
Tottenham Hotspur Recent Form and Tactics
Spurs now have a reputation for going a goal behind to then blow their opponents away in the second half of games, as this has happened in four of their last eight Premier League games. The Lilywhites’ inconsistent form was on display when they defeated Aston Villa 4-0 at Villa Park on Sunday before losing embarrassingly to Fulham the following Saturday.
Postecoglou’s Tottenham formation remains faithful to the 4-2-3-1 and until now it has been reasonably effective for the North London side. They focus on pressing high up the pitch and creating turnovers in dangerous positions.
But despite the inconsistency, Tottenham’s tactical set-up has drastically improved since Postecoglou’s arrival. The manager has pushed Spurs three metres higher up the pitch on average, according to Opta – this is the biggest increase of any Premier League side. Only Manchester City, Arsenal and Liverpool set up higher. Moreover, Spurs are pressing higher and forcing the most high turnovers in the Premier League.
Tottenham’s form in the last five Premier League matches is three wins and two losses.
Tottenham Hotspur Injuries to Consider
Spurs have no fresh injury concerns with their upcoming trip to the London Stadium, Micky Van de Ven is expected to be fit to start, as is Richarlison, who was in a decent bit of form before his injuries. Ryan Sessegnon, Fraser Forster and Manor Solomon all remain out.
Tottenham Hotspur Predicted Lineup
GK Guglielmo Vicario
RB Pedro Porro
CB Cristian Romero
CB Micky van de Ven
LB Destiny Udogie
CM Rodrigo Bentancur
CM Pape Matar Sarr
CAM James Maddison
LW Timo Werner
RW Brennan Johnson
ST Heung-min Son
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