This fixture brings back memories of the classic game two seasons ago, when late goals from Berbatov and Stalteri secured a 4-3 win for Tottenham. However, six of the seven scorers that day have since moved on, highlighting the change that has taken place at both clubs. Harry Redknapp and Gianfranco Zola are very much focused on rebuilding their respective squads, but who will come out on top when they meet on Monday?
West Ham haven’t tasted victory at home since 20th September, when the charitable Newcastle defence were in town. However, they have gone from not keeping a clean sheet all season to three consecutive shut-outs, including one last Monday at Anfield. They are 7/4 (bet365) to beat Tottenham, 4/1 (Paddy Power) if you think they’ll win to nil and 13/5 (Paddy Power) for a fourth clean sheet on the bounce.
It’s clear that the Hammers have gone back to basics, ensuring that they become harder to beat. Spurs might be forced to do the same after defeats against Fulham and Everton leaving them still perilously close to the relegation zone. Boylesports offer 7/4 that Harry has a happy return to the club he used to manage, although the draw (12/5 Skybet) is probably the best bet, with neither team exactly looking convincing at the moment.
Since beating Liverpool 4-2 in the Carling Cup, the goals have dried up for Tottenham, despite having the likes of Roman Pavlyuchenko (13/2 Stan James), Fraizer Campbell (15/2 Sportingbet) and Darren Bent (11/2 bet365) to call upon. It’s the latter of the trio who makes the most appeal, especially with the pace to unsettle the Hammers defence. For the home side, Craig Bellamy (7/1 bet365) has been looking sharper in recent weeks, and would be the only player I’d consider backing for the goal-shy Hammers.