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**Meta Title:** West Ham vs Tottenham Preview: EPL Predictions & Betting Tips

**Meta Description:** Expert EPL match preview for West Ham vs Tottenham (04/05/2025). Get predictions, betting tips, team news, injury updates, and tactical analysis for this London derby.

# West Ham vs Tottenham: Premier League Match Preview, Predictions & Team News

Get ready for a crucial London derby, albeit lower down the table than expected, as West Ham United host Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League. This Week 35 clash takes place at the London Stadium on Sunday, May 4, 2025, with kick-off scheduled for 13:00 UTC (2:00 PM BST). Both sides are desperate for points, sitting precariously in 17th and 16th respectively. This EPL predictions piece dives into the form, team news, and tactical nuances ahead of this intriguing football encounter.

## Match Prediction and Scoreline

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

**Betting Insights & Probabilities:**

This fixture pits two struggling Premier League sides against each other, making predictions tricky. West Ham's poor run contrasts with Tottenham's focus potentially being diverted by their Europa League semi-final. Neither side has kept a clean sheet since February, suggesting goals are likely.

*   **Winner Odds (via Betfair, subject to change):**
    *   West Ham Win: Evens (Approx. 40% probability)
    *   Draw: 2/1 (Approx. 30% probability)
    *   Tottenham Win: 21/10 (Approx. 30% probability)
*   **Both Teams to Score (BTTS):** Yes - Highly likely given recent defensive records.
*   **Over/Under 2.5 Goals:** Over 2.5 Goals - Expected due to defensive frailties on both sides.

**Keywords:** *EPL betting tips, Premier League predictions, score predictions, West Ham vs Tottenham odds, football betting.*

## Key Factors and Expected Outcome

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

*   **Team Form:** Both teams are in dismal Premier League form. West Ham are winless in seven league games, dropping points late in recent matches. Tottenham have also struggled domestically, despite Europa League success.
*   **Injuries & Rotation:** Tottenham face a significant injury list (Bergvall, Dragusin out for season; Maddison, Solanke, Son doubtful/out for this game). Ange Postecoglou is expected to rotate heavily ahead of the crucial Europa League second leg. West Ham also have key absences (Antonio, Summerville) and a doubt over Alvarez.
*   **Managerial Pressure & Morale:** Graham Potter is under pressure from West Ham fans after a poor run and late collapses, admitting he feels the weight of expectation. Spurs' morale might be higher due to their European run, but their league position is concerning, and rotation could disrupt cohesion.
*   **Home Advantage:** West Ham will look to leverage the London Stadium crowd, but their recent home form hasn't been strong. Spurs' away form in the league has been poor.
*   **Tactical Approaches:** Potter may stick with a more defensively solid setup (potentially a back five) that has reduced goals conceded but hasn't yielded wins, aiming to hit on the counter. Postecoglou's usual attacking style might be tempered by personnel changes, potentially leading to a less fluid performance.

**Keywords:** *key match factors, expected EPL outcome, Premier League form, team morale, Graham Potter pressure, Ange Postecoglou tactics, injury impact.*

## Recent Team Form and Key Players to Watch

### West Ham United

*   **Recent PL Form (Last 6):** L-D-L-D-L-D (Most Recent First: 3-2 L vs Brighton, 1-1 D vs Southampton, 2-1 L vs Liverpool, 2-2 D vs Bournemouth, 1-0 L vs Wolves, 1-1 D vs Everton)
*   **Injuries/Suspensions:**
    *   OUT: Michail Antonio (Unspecified), Crysencio Summerville (Hamstring/Thigh - out for season)
    *   DOUBTFUL: Edson Alvarez (Lower back)
*   **Key Players:**
    *   **Jarrod Bowen:** Remains West Ham's primary attacking threat, capable of creating and scoring.
    *   **Mohamed Kudus:** Offers flair and goal threat, likely to operate wide or centrally.
    *   **Niclas Fullkrug:** The German striker could start, providing a focal point after fan calls and his own critical comments.
    *   **Evan Ferguson:** Available again after being ineligible against parent club Brighton.

**Keywords:** *West Ham latest form, West Ham injury updates, Graham Potter team news, Jarrod Bowen stats, Mohamed Kudus.*

### Tottenham Hotspur

*   **Recent PL Form (Last 6):** L-L-L-W-L-D (Most Recent First: 5-1 L vs Liverpool, 2-1 L vs Nottm Forest, 4-2 L vs Wolves, 3-1 W vs Southampton, 1-0 L vs Chelsea, 2-2 D vs Bournemouth)
*   **Injuries/Suspensions:**
    *   OUT: Lucas Bergvall (Ankle - out for season), Radu Dragusin (ACL - out for season), Heung-min Son (Foot - targeting Europa League return)
    *   DOUBTFUL: James Maddison (Knee - major concern, awaiting scan), Dominic Solanke (Thigh/Quad)
*   **Key Players:**
    *   **Richarlison:** Likely to lead the line if Solanke is unfit, needs to find form.
    *   **Dejan Kulusevski:** May operate centrally or wide, offering creativity for a depleted attack.
    *   **Pape Sarr / Yves Bissouma:** The midfield pairing will be crucial in controlling the game against Paqueta and Soucek.
    *   **Brennan Johnson / Mathys Tel:** Expected rotation players who could provide pace and directness.

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

## Tactical Preview

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

*   **Likely Formations:**
    *   **West Ham:** Potter has favoured a back three/five recently (e.g., 3-5-2 or 3-4-3). Expect Todibo, Mavropanos, and Kilman potentially anchoring the defence, with wing-backs providing width.
    *   **Tottenham:** Postecoglou typically uses a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1. However, expect significant personnel changes. A predicted lineup includes Vicario; Gray, Danso, Davies, Spence; Sarr, Bissouma; Odobert, Kulusevski, Tel; Richarlison.
*   **Styles of Play:**
    *   **West Ham:** Likely to be pragmatic, focusing on defensive structure given recent leaks, potentially looking to exploit Spurs' rotated defence via Bowen and Kudus on the break or through Fullkrug's presence.
    *   **Tottenham:** While Postecoglou preaches attacking football, the rotated side might lack the usual intensity and cohesion. They may still try to dominate possession but could be vulnerable defensively.
*   **Key Tactical Battles:**
    *   **Midfield Engine Room:** The duel between West Ham's likely pairing of Soucek/Paqueta and Spurs' Sarr/Bissouma will be vital for controlling the tempo.
    *   **Bowen/Kudus vs. Spurs Full-backs:** West Ham's main threats against potentially rotated or less experienced Spurs defenders like Spence/Gray/Udogie.
    *   **Richarlison vs. West Ham Centre-Backs:** Can the Brazilian find space and provide a cutting edge against West Ham's likely back three?

**Keywords:** *EPL tactical analysis, formation breakdown, possession strategies, pressing approach, counter-attacking football, key tactical battles.*

## Summary and Key Takeaways

This Premier League clash sees two teams in poor domestic form meet under different circumstances. West Ham desperately need a win to ease pressure on Graham Potter, while Tottenham's focus is largely on their upcoming Europa League second leg, leading to expected heavy rotation and absences of key stars like Son, Maddison, and potentially Solanke.

West Ham's recent habit of conceding late goals is a major concern, while Spurs' rotated lineup might lack fluency. Given both teams' defensive issues and attacking potential (even with Spurs' absentees), a score draw seems the most probable outcome.

*   **Betting Angles:** Both Teams to Score (BTTS) and Over 2.5 Goals look like strong possibilities. West Ham Draw No Bet could offer value given Spurs' likely weakened side.
*   **Fantasy Football Tips (FPL):**
    *   Consider **Jarrod Bowen (WHU)** or **Mohamed Kudus (WHU)** due to their attacking roles and Spurs' defensive rotation.
    *   **Richarlison (TOT)** could be a differential if confirmed starting upfront.
    *   Avoid defenders from both teams due to poor clean sheet records and rotation risks.

**Final Prediction:** Expect an open game with chances at both ends. Neither defence inspires confidence currently. While West Ham have the home advantage and face a weakened Spurs, their own form is poor. A 2-2 draw with goals shared seems a likely scenario for this London derby.

**Keywords:** *Match summary, key takeaways, Fantasy Premier League tips, FPL picks, London derby preview.*