Tottenham Hotspur will look to move a step closer to the summit of the Premier League table when they take on West Ham United at Upton Park on Wednesday. They’re provisionally only three points adrift of league leaders Leicester, and Mauricio Pochettino’s side’s superior goal difference means they’d leapfrog the Foxes with a victory. There’s no doubt that they’re in with a great chance of lifting the title for the first time since 1961.
Tottenham vs. West Ham 2016 live stream: Time, TV schedule and how to watch online
Tottenham Hotspur can move to the top of the Premier League table with a win over West Ham on Wednesday.
Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images
However, hosts West Ham are unlikely to be pushovers. Slaven Bilić‘s men are themselves going very well this season, and find themselves only four points off a Champions League spot. They’ve only lost twice at home in the league this season, and Spurs will have to turn in an excellent performance if they’re to get one over on a very robust opponent. West Ham are direct but brilliant to watch, and should prove to be a stern test of Spurs’ heroic defensive record.
Key player: Dimitri Payet (West Ham United)
West Ham’s star man is doubtless French playmaker Dimitri Payet, who has seamlessly transitioned into Premier League life. He combines an eye for the audacious with sublime technique, and one wonders if France manager Didier Deschamps can continue to ignore the former Marseille man while he remains in such form. Payet hasn’t been named in the squad of his national team since they took on Albania last June.
Recent history
Recent games between these two entertaining teams have generally produced excitement. There have been a combined total of 18 goals and three red cards in their last six encounters, with West Ham having won thrice, and Spurs twice. However, Spurs certainly got the better of their London rivals when they met at White Hart Lane in the reverse fixture: on that occasion Pochettino’s men came away with an excellent 4-1 victory.
West Ham United injuries and suspensions
Out: Carl Jenkinson (knee); Joey O'Brien (hamstring); James Tomkins (groin); Enner Valencia (ankle); Sam Byram (suspended). In doubt: Winston Reid (hamstring).
Tottenham Hotspur injuries and suspensions
Out: Clinton N'Jie, Jan Vertonghen (knee); Mousa Dembélé (groin); Tom Carroll (Achilles). In doubt: Dele Alli (knock).
West Ham still have significant injury problems in defence: full-backs Jenkinson and O’Brien are sidelined through injury, while Byram is suspended. Centre-back Tomkins is certainly out, though his defensive partner Reid could be back available after a hamstring problem.
As for Spurs, their biggest absentees remain centre-back Vertonghen and central midfielder Dembélé, who have both played important roles in their first team this season. However, young midfielder Alli may not be risked after he picked up a knock.
Match date/time: Wednesday, 2:45 p.m. ET, 7:45 p.m. local
Venue: White Hart Lane, London
TV: NBC Extra Time (U.S.), Sportsnet World (Canada)
Online: NBC Sports Live Extra (U.S.), Sportsnet World Now (Canada)
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