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**Meta Title:** West Ham vs Tottenham Preview: EPL Prediction & Tips 2025

**Meta Description:** Premier League preview: West Ham host Tottenham (May 4). Get expert EPL predictions, betting tips, team news, form analysis & score prediction for this London derby.

# West Ham vs Tottenham: Premier League London Derby Preview & Prediction (May 4, 2025)

Get ready for a crucial Premier League London derby as West Ham United host Tottenham Hotspur at the London Stadium on Sunday, May 4, 2025, with kick-off scheduled for 13:00 UTC (2:00 PM BST). This EPL clash pits two sides enduring difficult domestic campaigns against each other, sitting precariously in 17th and 16th place respectively. With Tottenham heavily focused on their Europa League semi-final second leg just days later, this fixture presents a unique dynamic. Read on for our full West Ham vs. Tottenham match preview, including EPL predictions, betting tips, team news, and tactical analysis.

## West Ham vs Tottenham: Prediction, Odds & Betting Tips

**Predicted Scoreline: West Ham 2 – 2 Tottenham**

This London derby pits two out-of-form Premier League sides against each other. West Ham are desperate for a win under Graham Potter, while Tottenham's focus is firmly fixed on their upcoming Europa League decider, likely leading to significant squad rotation. Given both teams' defensive vulnerabilities and Spurs' expected changes, a score draw seems a plausible outcome.

**Betting Insights & Probabilities:**

*   **Winner Odds (via Betfair, subject to change):**
    *   West Ham Win: Evens (1/1) - Approx. 50% probability (factoring in bookmaker margin)
    *   Draw: 2/1 - Approx. 33% probability
    *   Tottenham Win: 21/10 - Approx. 32% probability
*   **Both Teams to Score (BTTS):** Yes. Both sides have struggled defensively, and West Ham need to attack at home. Spurs' rotated lineup might lack cohesion.
*   **Over/Under 2.5 Goals:** Over 2.5 Goals. Matches involving these teams have often seen goals, and the expected open nature of this game supports this.

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## Key Match Factors: Form, Injuries & Rotation Impact

Several key factors will shape the expected EPL outcome at the London Stadium:

*   **Team Form:** Both clubs are in dismal Premier League form.
    *   West Ham are winless in their last seven EPL matches, dropping crucial points late in recent games, including a devastating late collapse to lose 3-2 at Brighton last week.
    *   Tottenham have lost 19 league games this season (a joint club record) and are on a four-game losing streak away from home in the PL, conceding heavily in the last two (5-1 vs Liverpool, 4-2 vs Wolves).
*   **Tottenham's European Distraction:** Spurs hold a 3-1 lead over Bodo/Glimt in their Europa League semi-final first leg. Manager Ange Postecoglou has confirmed he will rotate heavily to rest key players for the crucial second leg in Norway.
*   **Injuries and Suspensions:** Both squads are depleted.
    *   Spurs suffer major blows with Heung-min Son, James Maddison, Lucas Bergvall, and Radu Dragusin all ruled out. Dominic Solanke is a serious doubt.
    *   West Ham are without Crysencio Summerville (season) and Michail Antonio, while Edson Alvarez faces a late fitness test. Evan Ferguson returns.
*   **Managerial Pressure & Morale:** Graham Potter is feeling the heat from the West Ham faithful after a poor start since taking charge in January. A derby win would be huge for morale. Postecoglou, while prioritising Europe, will want to arrest the league slide.
*   **Home Advantage:** West Ham are unbeaten in their last four Premier League home games against Spurs (W2, D2) and will rely on the London Stadium support.

*Keywords: key match factors, expected EPL outcome, West Ham morale, Tottenham rotation, Premier League form, home advantage, Graham Potter pressure.*

## Team News, Form & Key Players

### West Ham United Form & Team News

*   **Recent PL Form (Last 5):** L-D-L-D-L (Lost 3-2 vs Brighton, Drew 1-1 vs Southampton, Lost 2-1 vs Liverpool, Drew 2-2 vs Bournemouth, Lost 1-0 vs Wolves)
*   **Injuries:** Crysencio Summerville (Thigh/Hamstring - Out for season), Michail Antonio (Out)
*   **Doubts:** Edson Alvarez (Fitness test)
*   **Available:** Evan Ferguson (Returns after ineligibility)
*   **Predicted West Ham XI (3-4-3):** Areola; Todibo, Mavropanos, Kilman; Wan-Bissaka, Soucek, Paqueta, Emerson; Bowen, Fullkrug, Kudus
*   **Key Players to Watch:**
    *   **Jarrod Bowen:** West Ham's all-time leading Premier League assist provider (37). Crucial for creativity and goal threat.
    *   **Mohammed Kudus:** Provides flair and goals from attacking midfield or wide areas.
    *   **Niclas Fullkrug:** Could start after impacting the game from the bench vs Brighton. Offers a focal point.

*Keywords: West Ham latest form, West Ham injury updates, Jarrod Bowen stats, Premier League player stats, Graham Potter tactics.*

### Tottenham Hotspur Form & Team News

*   **Recent PL Form (Last 5):** L-L-W-L-L (Lost 5-1 vs Liverpool, Lost 2-1 vs Nottm Forest, Won 3-1 vs Southampton, Lost 1-0 vs Chelsea, Lost 4-2 vs Wolves)
*   **Injuries:** Lucas Bergvall (Ankle - Out for season), Heung-min Son (Ankle - Out), James Maddison (Knee - Out), Radu Dragusin (ACL - Out for season)
*   **Doubts:** Dominic Solanke (Quad)
*   **Predicted Tottenham XI (4-2-3-1):** Vicario; Gray, Danso, Davies, Spence; Sarr, Bissouma; Odobert, Kulusevski, Tel; Richarlison
*   **Key Players to Watch (Expected Starters):**
    *   **Richarlison:** Likely to lead the line in Solanke's potential absence and Son's confirmed absence. Needs to find form.
    *   **Dejan Kulusevski:** Will likely carry the main creative burden with Maddison and Son out.
    *   **Pape Sarr:** Energetic midfielder who will be key in the engine room battle.
    *   **Mathys Tel/Wilson Odobert:** Young wingers likely given a chance to impress.

*Keywords: Tottenham injury updates, Spurs latest form, Ange Postecoglou rotation, Premier League player stats, Richarlison goals.*

## Tactical Analysis: Potential Formations & Game Plans

This London derby presents an intriguing tactical battle, heavily influenced by Spurs' rotation.

*   **West Ham Approach:** Graham Potter has favoured a back-three/five system recently (10 of his 14 games) to improve defensive solidity, though results haven't followed. Against a rotated Spurs, they might be slightly more adventurous. Expect them to look to exploit potential weaknesses in Spurs' makeshift defence, using the width provided by wing-backs and the individual quality of Bowen and Kudus. The potential inclusion of Fullkrug offers a more direct option.
*   **Tottenham Approach:** Despite wholesale changes, expect Postecoglou's core principles of attacking football, likely in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 formation. However, the usual intensity and intricate passing moves may be compromised by the lack of regular starters. They might be vulnerable defensively, especially in transition, given the unfamiliarity between players in the backline. Fringe players like Tel, Spence, and Danso will be eager to impress.
*   **Key Tactical Battles:**
    *   **Midfield Engine Room:** The duel between West Ham's Paqueta/Soucek and Spurs' likely pairing of Sarr/Bissouma will be crucial for controlling the game's tempo.
    *   **Bowen & Kudus vs. Spurs Full-Backs:** West Ham's primary creative threats against potentially Djed Spence and Ben Davies (or Destiny Udogie if fit/selected) could decide the outcome.
    *   **Makeshift Spurs Defence vs. West Ham Attack:** Can Fullkrug/Bowen/Kudus exploit the likely centre-back pairing of Kevin Danso and Ben Davies?

*Keywords: EPL tactical analysis, formation breakdown, possession strategies, West Ham vs Tottenham tactics, key battles, Graham Potter system, Postecoglou style.*

## Summary: Prediction Recap & Fantasy Football Tips

This Premier League encounter is tough to call due to the contrasting priorities and poor form of both London clubs. West Ham desperately need points under Potter, while Tottenham's eyes are firmly on their Europa League prize, leading to expected heavy rotation.

Our prediction is a **2-2 draw**, reflecting both teams' defensive issues and West Ham's slight advantage due to Spurs' likely changes and home turf.

**Key Takeaways & Betting Angles:**

*   **Prediction:** West Ham 2 - 2 Tottenham
*   **Primary Bet:** Both Teams to Score (BTTS) - Yes.
*   **Secondary Bet:** Over 2.5 Goals.
*   **Value Bet:** Draw (2/1).

**Fantasy Premier League (FPL) Tips:**

*   **Jarrod Bowen (WHU):** West Ham's most reliable FPL asset, involved in goals and assists.
*   **Mohammed Kudus (WHU):** Offers goal potential from midfield.
*   **Richarlison (TOT):** If confirmed starting, could be a differential striker pick given injuries elsewhere.
*   **Dejan Kulusevski (TOT):** Likely focal point of Spurs' attack, potential for assists/goals.
*   **Caution:** Monitor confirmed lineups closely due to expected Spurs rotation before making final FPL decisions.

Expect a potentially open and somewhat chaotic London derby, likely featuring goals at both ends. West Ham have a prime opportunity to secure a positive result against their rivals, but Spurs' rotated players will have points to prove. Don't be surprised if there's late drama, a feature of recent Hammers' games.

*Keywords: Fantasy Premier League tips, FPL picks, match summary, betting angles, EPL recap, football analysis.*