Danny Ings to start, David Moyes to make two changes – West Ham predicted XI v Tottenham
West Ham face off in another crucial London derby contest as they travel to North London on Sunday [19 February] to face Tottenham Hotspur.
The Hammers will be looking to continue their recent upturn after going four games unbeaten following last weekend’s hard-earned 1-1 draw against Chelsea at the London Stadium.
West Ham have a number of injuries worries ahead of the Spurs clash with Lucas Paqueta and Nayef Aguerd both coming off with knocks against Chelsea, which means Moyes has some key decisions to make.
Another huge potential blow comes in the form of Declan Rice who was reportedly missing from midweek training at Rush Green, along with Pablo Fornals [Football London, 15 February].
The former Everton boss is likely to continue with his 3-4-3 set-up in North London and he may opt to start Danny Ings in place of Said Benrahma who is struggling for consistency, alongside both Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen in the Hammers attack.
With Paqueta nursing a shoulder injury picked up in the draw against Chelsea, Moyes could turn to either of Tomas Soucek or Flynn Downes to partner Declan Rice in midfield who should be fit to start.
Soucek has endured a torrid campaign so far, and was even lucky not to hand Chelsea a penalty last weekend for his handball late on which VAR failed to spot but his experience on the big occasion could be his saving grace against Spurs.
In defence, Vladimir Coufal and Emerson should continue as Moyes’ wing-backs, but he certainly has a decision to make in the centre of defence.
Aguerd was forced off against the Blues ten minutes from time with what appeared to be a groin injury, and according to Claret & Hugh [14 February], was expected to be out for a number of weeks.
However, ExWHUemployee [16 February] reported the injury is not as bad as first feared, and the Moroccan could well feature against Spurs on Sunday.
In any worst-case scenario, versatile defender Ben Johnson may be given an opportunity to impress in an unfamiliar role at left centre-back, but Aguerd certainly has a few more days to prove his fitness which could come as a huge boost to the Hammers’ chances.