Tottenham early team news v West Ham United: Emerson Royal to be dropped by Ange Postecoglou
Early team news has emerged ahead of the Premier League clash between West Ham and Tottenham on 7 December, with Emerson Royale expected to be dropped by Ange Postecoglou, according to The Standard.
The newspaper reported via their website on 7 December that the return of Christian Romero who has missed the last three games through suspension will see Emerson drop out of the side.
Welsh defender Ben Davies is expected to partner Romero at the heart of Spurs’ defence, with other options Eric Dier and Micky van de Ven both injured.
Bad news for the Hammers
While they will be aware of Romero’s return given the length of his suspension picked up for a straight red card against Chelsea, the news will still come as a blow to David Moyes’ side’s chances of earning three points against their London rivals.
The inclusion of Romero at the back provides more experience and a significantly stronger look to the Tottenham back line, with Postecoglou previously forced to play a back four consisting of four full-backs in the absence of Romero, Van de Ven and Dier.
It’s far from ideal news for West Ham and makes their opponents much stronger defensively, but given Tottenham’s recent form and defensive record, Moyes will be hoping his team can make the most of their dip in form.
However, one thing to note would be how hot-headed Romero can be. You’d expect him to be more cautious having just returned from suspension, but he is always liable to face at least a yellow card, which may be something the Hammers look to exploit.
In other West Ham news, insiders have shared a new Michail Antonio update.