Premier League leaders, Tottenham Hotspur (just thought I would remind everyone), travel to West Ham in a bid to not only retain their place, but also their outstanding form.
Sitting top after two games is almost as ridiculous as West Ham boasting about their unbeaten start to the season. But as true as both may be, a win tomorrow will be a massive statement and boost to both clubs, even at this stage of the season.
The last time West Ham won their opening two games of a season, was in 1997, against, Spurs of course.. Following our worst ever start last season, we have already had our best start to a season since 1965. The last time we won the first three league games, was in 1960/61, a season when we won the opening ELEVEN and went unbeaten in SIXTEEN and of course went on to win the double….
Perhaps I am getting carried away or just dreaming, but the facts are there and statistics can tell us almost anything, but a win tomorrow will give everyone connected with the club, not just the joy of possibly retaining top spot, but most importantly belief.
Facing West Ham has been good for Spurs in recent years, “Lasagnegate” aside, it has been a game where Spurs have dominated, with only 2 defeats in the last 15 and a comfortable 2-0 win last season, with goals from King and O`Hara, at a time when Spurs were 17th in the table.
West Ham won their one and only Prem game of the season, away to Wolves, with a great goal from Mark Noble and a header from Matthew Upson. Not a great performance and one where Wolves had good possession and chances, but an away win to a newly promoted side, is always something to be proud of. I would usually be worried that we have had a midweek game and our opponents haven`t, but at such an early stage in the season this could work against The Hammers as they could still be carrying a little ring rust and we may well be better for the fame rather than being fatigued.
As with Hull, Spurs beat West Ham in the Asia Trophy, where the 1-0 win was a bonus. We dominated play and West Ham created very little. As we all know pre-season results don`t count for much, but I would rather have the win than loss against a team we face so early in the season.
West Ham have only one new injury, which could be key to the game, as their left back Herita Ilunga has failed to recover from the injury he picked up against Wolves and joins, Ashton, Boa-Morte and Behrami on the list of missing players.
West Ham will probably look to keep the same team that beat Wolves, with either Jonathan Spector, who replaced Ilunga last week or more likely, 18 year old Swiss full back, Fabio Daprela, who was bought as LB cover, but wasn`t on the bench last week. This may represent a great opportunity for Aaron Lennon to test either player and the last time I recall him up against a novice full back, he had him sent off before half time…
Spurs add Heurelho Gomes to the list on absentees, as he joins, Woodgate, Dawson, Jenas and Bale in the injured list, but with Cudicini as more than capable cover, we won`t lose anything in terms of quality or experience and the Italian will surely see this as his opportunity to take over long term with some assured displays.
Apart from the defence, I really can`t see Harry changing a thing from the opening two games. Our front six have been superb to a man and unless there is an urgent need, any changes should be kept to Doncaster and the Carling Cup.
With Cudicini in for Gomes and the likely return of Ledley King, the one and only question is over who plays at right back. Both Corluka and Hutton have reason to feel justified in claiming the place, as both were possibly the best defenders in each of the opening two games. I think Corluka will just edge it, but Hutton will expect to play on Wednesday and will hopefully really push Corluka for the starting spot. If the Croatian lost his place, it would be harsh in my opinion, if for no reason other than he only lost the position to cover for Ledley, but the fact that Hutton grasped it with both hands has to be a positive for the club.
I really enjoyed watching West Ham last season and have to commend Zola and Clarke for the superb job they have done under very testing circumstances, but again with no money to spend, it has been a tough summer and as others (including ourselves) have strengthened, they may struggle to maintain last season`s respectable position, but for me keeping the management in place is more important than any individual player and I think the club will possibly be stronger for the current hardship in the medium to long term.
I can see Spurs looking to take the early initiative and taking the game to West Ham and an early goal could make it a comfortable away day for the boys. I have a feeling that Zola`s men could be a little nervous in front of their supporters and if Spurs can exploit this we have a great chance of again taking the points. Again Hudd and Wilson need to win the midfield battle against Parker and Noble and this could dictate the game, but with Modric looking sharp and Lennon sure to want to run at the new and potentially vulnerable full back, I feel we have the better midfield and in Defoe and Keane we have strikers who will look to take their form and goals to Upton Park and as usual I`m sure Jermain Defoe will thrive on the attention he will receive from the West Ham faithful.
Three points is all that matters and I will go with 2-0 to Spurs, in doing so if we have our best start since 60/61, perhaps we can forgive ourselves a brief dream, but with Birmingham (H) up next, what would we give to face United (H)and Chelsea (A), with 12 points on the board and sitting at the top of the table, four games in, not two? Now that would be exciting. But then again we are Tottenham and perhaps we souldn’t get carried away, well not yet anyway…
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