After going four games without a loss following last weekend’s hard-earned 1-1 draw against Chelsea at the London Stadium, the Hammers and David Moyes will be seeking to maintain their recent upward trend.
Lucas Paqueta and Nayef Aguerd both suffered knocks against Chelsea. West Ham are left with a number of injury concerns ahead of the Spurs match. Moyes must now make some crucial selections.
Another devastating possible setback is the absence of Declan Rice and Pablo Fornals from Rush Green’s midweek training session [Football London, 15 February].
In North London, the former Everton manager is likely to stick with his 3-4-3 formation. Furthermore, he may decide to start Danny Ings in place of the inconsistent Said Benrahma, with Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen for the Hammers.
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David Moyes starting lineup to change to face Tottenham
Paqueta is sidelined with a shoulder injury sustained in the stalemate with Chelsea. Moyes could choose to pair Declan Rice. He should be available to start, in midfield with either Tomas Soucek or Flynn Downes.
Soucek has had a difficult season thus far. He was even fortunate not to give Chelsea a penalty last weekend for his late handball that VAR missed. But his success in big moments could be his saving grace against Spurs.
In defence, Vladimir Coufal and Emerson should continue as Moyes’ wing-backs. But he surely has a decision to make in the centre of defence.
Ten minutes from the end of the Blues game, Aguerd was taken off. It appeared to be a groin injury.
The injury is not as serious as first anticipated, according to ExWHUemployee, and the Moroccan could play against Spurs on Sunday.
Ben Johnson, a versatile defender, may be given the chance by Moyes to shine in an unfamiliar position. Aguerd still has a few more days to demonstrate his health. This could be a significant boost to the Hammers’ hopes.
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