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**Meta Title:** West Ham vs Tottenham: EPL Preview & Predictions (04/05/25)

**Meta Description:** Expert EPL match preview for West Ham vs Tottenham at London Stadium (04/05/25). Get predictions, betting tips, team news, and tactical analysis for this key Premier League clash.

# West Ham vs Tottenham: Premier League Match Preview, Predictions & Betting Tips (2025-05-04)

Get ready for a crucial London derby in the English Premier League as West Ham United host Tottenham Hotspur at the London Stadium. This highly anticipated EPL fixture kicks off on Sunday, May 4th, 2025, at 13:00 UTC. Both sides are desperate for points after enduring difficult spells, making this a vital clash in the closing stages of the 2024/25 Premier League season. Read on for our full match preview, EPL predictions, team news, and betting tips.

## Match Prediction and Scoreline

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

This London derby pits two teams in poor form against each other. West Ham are winless in their last six Premier League matches (D3, L3), while Tottenham have lost four of their last six (W1, D1, L4). Given the struggles of both sides, particularly defensively, but also their recent lack of cutting edge, a hard-fought draw seems the most probable outcome at the London Stadium.

**Betting Insights & Probabilities:**

*   **Match Winner Odds (Approx):** West Ham Win (7/2), Draw (23/10), Tottenham Win (8/11) - *Note: Odds indicative, check live markets.*
*   **Both Teams To Score (BTTS):** Yes – Both teams have shown defensive frailties. West Ham conceded late against Southampton, while Spurs shipped four against Wolves recently.
*   **Over/Under 2.5 Goals:** Under 2.5 Goals – While both can concede, their attacking form has been inconsistent. A tense derby could limit clear chances.
*   **Probability Breakdown (Estimated):** West Ham Win: 25%, Draw: 40%, Tottenham Win: 35%

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## Key Factors and Expected Outcome

Several key factors will likely influence this Premier League encounter:

*   **Form Slump:** Both West Ham and Tottenham enter this match in dismal form. West Ham haven't won in six league games, while Spurs have lost four of their last six. Confidence will be low in both camps.
*   **Managerial Pressure:** Graham Potter is under scrutiny at West Ham, having secured only 13 points from his first 13 league games (as of late April). A positive result is needed to ease pressure and potentially secure Premier League safety definitively. Tottenham's manager will also be feeling the heat after a string of poor results.
*   **Team Morale:** West Ham's morale was publicly questioned by striker Niclas Fullkrug after their draw with Southampton, highlighting potential dressing room issues. Tottenham's recent defeats will have dented their confidence significantly.
*   **Injuries and Availability:** West Ham are likely missing key players. Michail Antonio is out long-term, and midfielder Edson Alvarez (back) is a major doubt, though potentially targeting this game for a return. Aaron Cresswell (muscle) is also questionable. Spurs' injury situation needs monitoring closer to the date.
*   **Home Advantage:** West Ham will rely on the London Stadium crowd to lift them in this derby. However, their home form hasn't been formidable recently (D2, L1 in last 3 home PL games).

**Expected Outcome:** Expect a cagey and potentially scrappy affair. Both teams know defeat is damaging. West Ham might adopt a more cautious approach initially, relying on set pieces and counter-attacks. Tottenham will likely try to control possession but may struggle to break down a potentially deep-lying defence given their recent form. A moment of quality or a mistake could decide it, but a draw feels likely.

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## Recent Team Form and Key Players to Watch

### West Ham United

*   **Last 6 Premier League Matches:** D L D L D L (Most Recent First: 1-1 vs Southampton (H), 1-2 vs Liverpool (A), 2-2 vs Bournemouth (H), 0-1 vs Wolves (A), 1-1 vs Everton (A), 0-1 vs Newcastle (H))
*   **League Position (as of late April):** 17th
*   **Injuries/Suspensions:**
    *   Michail Antonio (FW): Out (Lower limb fracture)
    *   Edson Alvarez (MF): Doubtful (Back)
    *   Aaron Cresswell (DF): Doubtful (Muscle)
    *   Crysencio Summerville (FW): Out (Mentioned in reports, likely long-term if accurate)
    *   Aaron Wan-Bissaka (DF): Expected to be available after a toe injury.
*   **Key Players:**
    *   **Jarrod Bowen (FW):** Remains West Ham's primary attacking threat, pace and finishing crucial.
    *   **Lucas Paqueta (MF):** Creative spark in midfield, needs to step up.
    *   **James Ward-Prowse (MF):** Set-piece specialist, vital for creating chances.
    *   **Niclas Fullkrug (FW):** Target man, showed passion with his recent outburst, needs to channel it into goals.
    *   **Mohammed Kudus (MF/FW):** Struggling for form (6 G/A in 30 games, no goals since Dec), but possesses match-winning potential. Subject of transfer speculation.

### Tottenham Hotspur

*   **Last 6 Premier League Matches:** L L L D L W (Most Recent First: 1-2 vs Nottm Forest (H), 2-4 vs Wolves (A), 0-1 vs Chelsea (A), 2-2 vs Bournemouth (H), 0-2 vs Fulham (A), 3-1 vs Southampton (H))
*   **League Position (as of late April):** Fluctuating, likely mid-table/pushing for lower European spots.
*   **Injuries/Suspensions:** No major injuries reported in the provided articles, but check closer to matchday for updates.
*   **Key Players:**
    *   **Son Heung-min (FW):** Club captain and talisman, always capable of producing magic.
    *   **James Maddison (MF):** Primary creator, his form is key to unlocking defences.
    *   **Dejan Kulusevski (FW):** Provides width, dribbling, and goal threat.
    *   **Cristian Romero (DF):** Aggressive centre-back, leader of the defence.
    *   **Guglielmo Vicario (GK):** Has had a solid season despite recent team struggles.

*Keywords: West Ham latest form, Tottenham injury updates, Premier League player stats, WHUFC news, Spurs form guide, key players EPL.*

## Tactical Preview

This London derby presents an interesting tactical battle, heavily influenced by recent form and potential personnel changes.

*   **West Ham's Likely Approach (Graham Potter):**
    *   **Formation:** Potter might opt for the 3-5-2 used recently (e.g., vs Brighton) or revert to a back four. A 3-5-2 could involve Todibo, Mavropanos, and Kilman at the back, with wing-backs providing width.
    *   **Style:** Given their form and Potter's pragmatism, expect West Ham to be organised defensively, potentially sitting deeper and looking to hit Spurs on the counter-attack using the pace of Bowen and the physicality of Fullkrug. Set pieces via Ward-Prowse will be a major weapon. They may struggle to maintain high intensity pressing for 90 minutes.
*   **Tottenham's Likely Approach:**
    *   **Formation:** Likely a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3.
    *   **Style:** Spurs typically favour a high press and possession-based football. However, their recent defensive record and lack of confidence might see them adopt a slightly more measured approach. They will look to utilize the creativity of Maddison and the pace/finishing of Son and Kulusevski in wide areas and through the middle.
*   **Key Tactical Battles:**
    *   **Midfield Control:** Ward-Prowse & Kudus (or alternative) vs. Tottenham's midfield pivot (e.g., Bissouma/Sarr). Winning this battle is key to dictating the tempo.
    *   **Bowen vs. Spurs Left-Back:** Can West Ham's star attacker exploit space down the flank?
    *   **Son Heung-min vs. West Ham Right-Back (Coufal/Wan-Bissaka):** Containing Spurs' captain is paramount for the Hammers.
    *   **Fullkrug vs. Romero:** A physical battle between the German striker and the Argentine defender.

*Keywords: EPL tactical analysis, formation breakdown, West Ham tactics, Tottenham strategy, possession strategies, key tactical battles, Premier League game plan.*

## Summary and Key Takeaways

This Premier League clash between West Ham and Tottenham promises tension, if not necessarily high quality, given both teams' recent struggles. West Ham's fight for points under Graham Potter meets a Spurs side desperate to halt their slide.

*   **Prediction Recap:** A 1-1 draw seems the most likely result, reflecting the poor form and potential caution from both sides.
*   **Key Factors:** Low confidence, injury concerns (especially for West Ham), managerial pressure, and the intensity of a London derby will shape the contest.
*   **Betting Angles:** The Draw (around 23/10) offers potential value. Both Teams To Score (Yes) looks probable. Under 2.5 Goals is favoured based on the prediction, but both defences are leaky.
*   **Fantasy Football Tips:**
    *   **James Ward-Prowse (WHU):** Always a threat from set-pieces, could grab an assist or goal.
    *   **Jarrod Bowen (WHU):** If fit and firing, West Ham's most likely goal source from open play.
    *   **Son Heung-min (TOT):** Despite team form, remains Spurs' most potent attacker.
    *   **Consider Avoiding:** Defenders from either side might be risky given recent concessions.

**Final Thought:** Expect a close contest potentially decided by fine margins or individual errors. Neither side can afford another defeat, which could lead to a cagey match, but derby day passion could also ignite unexpected drama.

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