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**Meta Title:** West Ham vs Tottenham: EPL Preview, Prediction & Tips (53 chars)
**Meta Description:** Expert EPL match preview for West Ham vs Tottenham (04/05/25). Get predictions, team news, betting tips & tactical analysis for this Premier League clash. (158 chars)

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

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, kicking off at 13:00 UTC (2:00 PM BST)**. This **EPL match preview** dives into a clash between two sides enduring unexpectedly difficult domestic campaigns, sitting 17th and 16th respectively. While local pride is always on the line, Spurs have one eye firmly fixed on European glory, potentially impacting their approach here. Read on for our full **West Ham vs Tottenham analysis**, **EPL predictions**, and **football betting tips**.

## Match Prediction and Scoreline

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

**Betting Insights & Probabilities:**

*   **Winner Odds:** This looks tight. West Ham might have a slight edge due to home advantage and Spurs' likely rotation (WHU ~Evens, Draw ~2/1, Spurs ~21/10 - based on Article 14 odds, subject to change).
*   **Both Teams To Score (BTTS):** Yes. Neither side has kept a Premier League clean sheet since February (Article 11), and both possess attacking threats while looking defensively vulnerable.
*   **Over/Under 2.5 Goals:** Over. Given the defensive issues and the potential for an open game, Over 2.5 goals seems probable.
*   **Probability Breakdown (Estimated):** West Ham Win: 35% | Draw: 40% | Tottenham Win: 25%

Look for value in the **draw** or **BTTS & Over 2.5 Goals** markets. These **Premier League predictions** reflect the current struggles and priorities of both clubs.

## Key Factors and Expected Outcome

Several **key match factors** will influence this London derby:

*   **Tottenham's European Focus:** Spurs' priority is undoubtedly the second leg of their Europa League semi-final against Bodo/Glimt next Thursday (Articles 1, 2, 5, 6, 14). Manager Ange Postecoglou has confirmed heavy rotation is planned (Articles 5, 6, 14, 15), potentially weakening their Premier League lineup significantly.
*   **West Ham's Desperation:** Graham Potter's Hammers are winless in their last seven Premier League matches (Articles 1, 2, 11, 14) and desperately need points to ease pressure and climb away from the lower reaches. A derby win would be a huge morale boost.
*   **Injury Woes (Especially Spurs):** Tottenham face a significant injury crisis. Lucas Bergvall (ankle) and Radu Dragusin (ACL) are out for the season. James Maddison (knee) and Dominic Solanke (thigh) picked up knocks in midweek and are serious doubts, while captain Son Heung-min (foot) remains sidelined for this fixture (Articles 1, 2, 7, 8, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15). West Ham are missing Antonio and Summerville long-term, with Alvarez a doubt (Articles 1, 2, 11, 14).
*   **Home vs. Away Form:** West Ham need to leverage their home advantage at the London Stadium, though their recent form there hasn't been stellar. Spurs have struggled on the road in the league recently, including heavy defeats at Liverpool and Wolves.
*   **Managerial Pressure & Team Morale:** Potter is under pressure at West Ham (Article 14), while Postecoglou is battling a "negative narrative" around Spurs despite their Europa League run (Articles 7, 8, 10). The rotated Spurs players will be keen to impress for future minutes.

**Expected EPL Outcome:** Expect a competitive match despite the league positions. West Ham will see this as a prime opportunity against a weakened Spurs side. However, Tottenham's rotated squad will have players fighting for places, and West Ham's own poor form makes them vulnerable. A score draw seems the most likely **expected outcome**.

## Recent Team Form and Key Players to Watch

### West Ham United

*   **Recent Form (Last 5 PL):** L D L D L
    *   Brighton 3-2 West Ham (A)
    *   West Ham 1-1 Southampton (H)
    *   Liverpool 2-1 West Ham (A)
    *   West Ham 2-2 Bournemouth (H)
    *   Wolves 1-0 West Ham (A)
*   **Injuries/Suspensions:**
    *   Edson Alvarez (Back - Doubt)
    *   Michail Antonio (Leg - Out)
    *   Crysencio Summerville (Hamstring/Thigh - Out)
    *   *Suspended:* None
*   **Key Players:**
    *   **Jarrod Bowen:** Remains West Ham's primary attacking threat from the wing.
    *   **Lucas Paqueta & Mohammed Kudus:** Creative sparks in midfield, capable of unlocking defences.
    *   **Niclas Fullkrug:** Likely to lead the line, offering a physical presence (Article 1, 2).
    *   **Evan Ferguson:** Available again after being ineligible last week, provides another striking option (Article 1, 2, 14).

### Tottenham Hotspur

*   **Recent Form (Last 5 PL):** L L L W L
    *   Liverpool 5-1 Tottenham (A)
    *   Tottenham 1-2 Nottingham Forest (H)
    *   Wolves 4-2 Tottenham (A)
    *   Tottenham 3-1 Southampton (H)
    *   Chelsea 1-0 Tottenham (A)
    *   *Note:* Won Europa League Semi-Final 1st Leg 3-1 vs Bodo/Glimt midweek.
*   **Injuries/Suspensions:**
    *   Lucas Bergvall (Ankle - Out for season)
    *   James Maddison (Knee - Doubt/Out)
    *   Dominic Solanke (Thigh - Doubt)
    *   Son Heung-min (Foot - Out)
    *   Radu Dragusin (ACL - Out for season)
    *   *Suspended:* None
*   **Key Players (Expected Starters due to Rotation):**
    *   **Richarlison:** Likely to start upfront, needing to provide a focal point.
    *   **Dejan Kulusevski:** Needs minutes for sharpness, could play in midfield or attack (Article 5, 6).
    *   **Pape Matar Sarr & Yves Bissouma:** Expected to anchor the midfield, providing energy.
    *   **Mathys Tel & Wilson Odobert:** Young attackers likely to get opportunities on the wings (Article 5, 6, 15).
    *   **Kevin Danso & Ben Davies:** Potential centre-back pairing given injuries and rotation (Article 5, 6, 14, 15).

Check **Tottenham injury updates** closer to kick-off as the situation is fluid. **Premier League player stats** show both teams have struggled for consistency.

## Tactical Preview

*   **West Ham (Likely Formation: 4-2-3-1):** Graham Potter will likely set up to exploit Spurs' potential defensive disorganisation. Expect them to look for quick transitions using the pace and creativity of Bowen and Kudus. They need to be solid defensively but have conceded frequently. The role of the double pivot (likely Soucek and potentially Alvarez if fit) will be crucial in shielding the back four and initiating attacks. Fullkrug or Ferguson will provide the target up front.
*   **Tottenham (Likely Formation: 4-3-3 / 4-2-3-1):** Despite rotation, Postecoglou's core principles of attacking football, high possession, and inverted full-backs (if players suit) will likely remain. However, the intensity of the press might be reduced, and cohesion could be an issue with many changes. Players like Sarr and Bissouma will be key to controlling the midfield tempo. The rotated attack (Tel, Odobert, Richarlison) needs to click quickly.
*   **Key Tactical Battles:**
    *   **Bowen/Kudus vs. Spurs' Full-backs (Spence/Davies/Gray?):** West Ham's main threats against potentially less experienced or rotated Spurs defenders.
    *   **Midfield Engine Room:** Soucek (& Alvarez?) vs. Sarr & Bissouma will be vital for control.
    *   **Richarlison vs. West Ham Centre-Backs (Todibo/Kilman?):** Can the Brazilian find space against West Ham's likely central defensive pairing?

This **EPL tactical analysis** suggests an open game where both teams might find joy offensively due to the circumstances.

## Summary and Key Takeaways

This London derby pits a West Ham side desperate for a Premier League win against a heavily rotated and injury-hit Tottenham focused on Europe. West Ham's poor form cancels out some of the advantage gained from Spurs' situation.

*   **Prediction Recap:** A 2-2 draw seems a plausible outcome, reflecting both teams' attacking potential and defensive issues.
*   **Key Betting Angles:** Both Teams To Score (Yes) and Over 2.5 Goals look like strong possibilities. Consider West Ham Draw No Bet if you favour the home side but want insurance.
*   **Fantasy Football Tips:**
    *   **Consider:** Jarrod Bowen (WHU), Mohammed Kudus (WHU) for attacking returns. Richarlison (TOT) if confirmed starting as the main striker. Dejan Kulusevski (TOT) offers potential if playing advanced.
    *   **Avoid:** Tottenham defenders due to rotation, injuries, and poor recent PL defensive record.

**Final Thought:** Expect a lively encounter despite the lowly league positions. West Ham have a real chance to claim bragging rights, but Spurs' rotated players will be motivated. Goals seem likely in what could be an entertaining, if error-strewn, **Premier League** match.