Jeff Stelling predicts major West Ham United result against Tottenham
Jeff Stelling has predicted that West Ham will follow up their first win of the season with a second immediately when they take on Tottenham.
Antonio Conte’s unbeaten side come to the London Stadium on Wednesday evening (31 August), having only dropped points so far in their lucky escape from Stamford Bridge with a draw.
But after a nightmare start to the Hammers campaign was finally lifted by Pablo Fornals’ strike to beat Aston Villa at the weekend (28 August), followed by the huge deal to sign Lucas Paqueta from Lyon, Stelling has them down to inflict Spurs’ first defeat of the year and win 1-0 in his Sky Sports Super6 predictions.
Before the win at Villa Park the Irons had yet to score a goal amid an injury crisis in defence and substantial bad luck against Nottingham Forest.
By contrast Tottenham have been finding goals and points pretty easy to come by, even if they were aided by some charitable officiating against Chelsea.
David Moyes has got key signings in and players are returning from injury so according to Stelling they have had the kickstart they needed to begin a run.
Massive
A win over one of the early leaders in the league would certainly be a statement to put the troubles of the first weeks of the season in the rearview mirror.
There is still scope for some further late arrivals before the transfer window shuts on Thursday (1 September), but getting the Paqueta deal over the line in time is a big one.
Moyes frequently upset the so-called Big Six last season and a return to those ways in Stratford for the midweek London derby would be hugely welcome to the fanbase.
Expectations were raised mightily during the summer as the signings that were not made in the winter finally started arriving, so it was doubly deflating to see things go so badly awry in the early stages.
Those hopes have one again been lifted so now is the time to deliver on the pitch, and considering what a different side West Ham looked after taking the lead at Villa Park there has to be renewed belief.
The sudden transformation in Declan Rice to the marauding figure of last season is perhaps the most encouraging sign of all, so if these positive influences can come together and land the sort of result Stelling expects then the club will belatedly be in business.