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**Meta Title:** West Ham vs Tottenham: EPL Preview, Tips & Prediction (May 4)

**Meta Description:** Get expert analysis, predictions, betting tips, team news & tactics for the West Ham vs Tottenham Premier League clash at London Stadium on May 4, 2025.

# West Ham vs Tottenham: Premier League London Derby Preview & Predictions

Get ready for a crucial **English Premier League** London derby as **West Ham United** host **Tottenham Hotspur** at the London Stadium. This highly anticipated **EPL** fixture kicks off on **Sunday, May 4, 2025, at 13:00 GMT (1 PM UK time)**. With Graham Potter under pressure at West Ham and Spurs chasing consistency, this **football** clash promises intrigue. Read on for our full **match preview**, **predictions**, **betting tips**, and **tactical analysis**.

## Match Prediction and Scoreline

This London derby often delivers drama, and despite contrasting recent fortunes, expect a competitive encounter. West Ham's home advantage and desperation for points under Potter could make them tough opponents, but Tottenham possess greater attacking firepower, even with their recent inconsistencies.

**Predicted Score:** West Ham 1 – 2 Tottenham

### Betting Insights & Probability

*   **Winner Odds (Approx):** West Ham (7/2), Draw (23/10), Tottenham (8/11) - *Odds subject to change.*
*   **Both Teams To Score (BTTS):** Yes (Likely around 4/6) - Both teams have shown defensive vulnerabilities.
*   **Over/Under 2.5 Goals:** Over (Likely around 8/13) - Spurs' attacking style and recent high-scoring games suggest goals.
*   **Probability Breakdown (Estimated):** West Ham Win: 30%, Draw: 25%, Tottenham Win: 45%

Looking for **EPL betting tips**? Tottenham to win and BTTS could offer value, given Spurs' attacking threat and West Ham's potential to score at home. Our **Premier League predictions** favour an away victory, but it won't be straightforward.

## Key Factors and Expected Outcome

Several elements will influence this **Premier League** showdown:

*   **West Ham's Form & Morale:** The Hammers are in a poor run of form (winless in six league games prior to their Brighton match) and sit precariously in 17th place. Graham Potter is under significant pressure after a slow start (Art 1, 7, 9). Niclas Fullkrug's public criticism of the team's "mindset" and "motivation" after the Southampton draw highlights potential dressing room issues (Art 4, 6, 7, 8, 9).
*   **Tottenham's Inconsistency:** Spurs' form has been patchy. While capable of brilliance, recent losses to Nottingham Forest, Wolves, Chelsea, and Fulham show vulnerabilities, particularly away from home (Results Table). They need points to solidify any European ambitions.
*   **Home Advantage:** The London Stadium crowd will be crucial for West Ham. They need to harness that energy to lift a team seemingly low on confidence.
*   **Injuries & Suspensions:** West Ham have significant concerns. Michail Antonio remains a long-term absentee (Art 3). Edson Alvarez (back) and Aaron Cresswell (muscle) were doubts for the Brighton game and their availability is key (Art 5, 10). Crysencio Summerville is also out (Art 11). Spurs will need their key attackers firing.
*   **Managerial Tactics:** Potter is trying to implement a possession-based style but is struggling for results (Art 1, 15). How West Ham set up defensively against Spurs' high-energy attack will be critical. Expect Tottenham to press high and look to dominate the ball.

**Expected EPL Outcome:** A tense London derby where West Ham will fight hard, buoyed by home support. However, Tottenham's superior individual quality in attack, despite their inconsistency, should give them the edge. Expect Spurs to control possession for large parts, but West Ham could pose a threat on the counter or from set-pieces.

## Recent Team Form and Key Players to Watch

### West Ham United

*   **Recent Form (Last 6 EPL prior to Spurs game - includes Brighton result which is unknown):** D 1-1 vs Southampton (H), L 1-2 vs Liverpool (A), D 2-2 vs Bournemouth (H), L 0-1 vs Wolves (A), L 0-1 vs Newcastle (H), D 1-1 vs Everton (A). *Summary: Winless in their last six league matches leading into the Brighton fixture, struggling for consistency and goals.*
*   **Injuries & Availability:**
    *   **Out:** Michail Antonio (Leg fracture - long term), Crysencio Summerville (Hamstring).
    *   **Doubtful/Returning:** Edson Alvarez (Back - potential return), Aaron Cresswell (Muscle).
    *   **Likely Available:** Aaron Wan-Bissaka (Toe - expected back). Evan Ferguson (Available after being ineligible vs parent club Brighton).
*   **Key Players:**
    *   **Jarrod Bowen:** Remains West Ham's primary attacking threat, pace and finishing ability crucial. Mentioned using performance-enhancing breathing tech (Art 12, 13, 14).
    *   **Lucas Paqueta:** Creative spark in midfield, needs to be influential. Also using breathing tech (Art 12, 13, 14).
    *   **Niclas Fullkrug:** Vocal presence, target man up front. Needs to channel his frustration positively after his outburst (Art 4, 6, 7, 8, 9).
    *   **Mohammed Kudus:** Despite transfer speculation (Art 2) and a dip in form (6 G/A this season vs 28 last), his dribbling and flair can unlock defences.

### Tottenham Hotspur

*   **Recent Form (Last 6 EPL):** L 1-2 vs Nottm Forest (H), L 2-4 vs Wolves (A), W 3-1 vs Southampton (H), L 0-1 vs Chelsea (A), L 0-2 vs Fulham (A), D 2-2 vs Bournemouth (H). *Summary: Highly inconsistent, just one win in their last six league games, conceding frequently.*
*   **Injuries & Availability:** (Assuming no major new issues reported closer to the date).
*   **Key Players:**
    *   **Son Heung-min:** Club captain and talisman. His movement, pace, and finishing are vital to Spurs' attack.
    *   **James Maddison:** The primary creative force from midfield, key passer and set-piece taker.
    *   **Dejan Kulusevski:** Offers width, dribbling, and goal threat from the flank.
    *   **Cristian Romero:** Aggressive centre-back, key to organising the defence against threats like Fullkrug and Bowen.

## Tactical Preview

This **EPL tactical analysis** points towards a clash of styles and potentially formations.

*   **West Ham:** Graham Potter may opt for a 3-5-2 or revert to a 4-2-3-1 (Art 5). They will likely aim for better **possession strategies** than seen recently but could be forced to play more reactively. Key will be midfield discipline to avoid being overrun by Spurs' runners. James Ward-Prowse's set-piece delivery remains a potent weapon. Addressing the lack of intensity ("motivation") Fullkrug highlighted will be paramount (Art 4, 6).
*   **Tottenham:** Expect Spurs to deploy their usual high-intensity, attacking **formation**, likely a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1. They will press high up the pitch, aiming to win the ball back quickly and utilise their pace in transition. Full-backs will push forward, potentially leaving space for West Ham to exploit on the **counter-attack**.
*   **Key Tactical Battles:**
    *   **West Ham Defence vs. Son Heung-min:** Can West Ham's backline (potentially Coufal, Todibo, Kilman, Emerson) handle Son's intelligent movement and finishing?
    *   **Midfield Control:** The battle between West Ham's likely pairing (e.g., Ward-Prowse, potentially Alvarez if fit) and Spurs' dynamic midfield (e.g., Bissouma, Sarr, Maddison) will be crucial for dictating the game's tempo.
    *   **Fullkrug vs. Spurs Centre-Backs:** Can the German striker physically impose himself on Romero and his partner, providing an outlet for the Hammers?

## Summary and Key Takeaways

This **London derby** sees a struggling West Ham side desperate for points against an unpredictable Tottenham team. The Hammers' poor form, low morale (Art 4, 6, 7, 8, 9), and injury list (Art 3, 5, 10) are major concerns for Graham Potter. Spurs have the attacking talent to win but have shown significant defensive frailties recently.

**Key Takeaways:**

*   West Ham need a massive improvement and must harness the home crowd.
*   Tottenham's attack holds the key, but their defence could offer West Ham chances.
*   **Betting Angles:** BTTS (Yes) and Over 2.5 Goals look like strong possibilities. Tottenham Win/Draw Double Chance offers some security.
*   **Fantasy Football Tips (FPL):**
    *   **Consider:** Son Heung-min (Spurs - consistent FPL performer), James Maddison (Spurs - creative hub), Jarrod Bowen (WHU - main goal threat).
    *   **Avoid:** West Ham defence (due to form and opposition quality), potentially Kudus (WHU - form dip, Art 2).

**Final Prediction:** Expect a hard-fought contest typical of a London derby. West Ham will likely score, possibly from a set-piece or a moment of individual brilliance, but Tottenham's overall attacking quality should see them secure a narrow, albeit nervy, away win. **West Ham 1 - 2 Tottenham**.