West Ham vs Tottenham

Sunday, May 4, 2025 at 1:00 PM UTC

Match Analysis

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Meta Title: West Ham vs Tottenham: EPL Preview & Predictions (May 4)

Meta Description: Get expert EPL predictions & betting tips for West Ham vs Tottenham (May 4). Analysis of form, injuries, tactics & likely score for this Premier League London derby.

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

Get ready for a fierce London derby as West Ham United host Tottenham Hotspur at the London Stadium in the English Premier League. This clash, scheduled for Sunday, May 4th, 2025, at 13:00 UTC, pits two rivals against each other towards the end of what has been a challenging EPL campaign for both clubs. This Premier League match preview dives into the predictions, betting tips, team news, and tactical analysis for this eagerly anticipated football encounter.

West Ham vs Tottenham: Match Prediction, Scoreline & Betting Tips

Predicted Scoreline: West Ham 3 – 2 Tottenham

Based on the available information, despite West Ham's poor run of form, Tottenham's heavy focus on their upcoming Europa League semi-final second leg could give the Hammers the edge at home.

Betting Insights & Probabilities:

  • Winner Odds: West Ham are tipped slightly, primarily due to home advantage and Spurs' expected rotation and distraction. Consider a West Ham win or Draw Double Chance.
  • Both Teams to Score (BTTS): Yes. The predicted 3-2 scoreline and recent defensive records suggest goals at both ends.
  • Over/Under 2.5 Goals: Over 2.5 Goals. Fireworks are expected in this London derby (Article 1), aligning with the high-scoring prediction.
  • Probability Breakdown (Estimated):
    • West Ham Win: 40%
    • Draw: 30%
    • Tottenham Win: 30%

(Note: Odds and probabilities are estimates based on provided context; always check with bookmakers for live odds).

Use these insights for your EPL betting tips and Premier League predictions.

Key Match Factors & Expected EPL Outcome

Several key elements will likely shape this Premier League fixture:

Team Morale and Managerial Pressure

  • West Ham: Manager Graham Potter is under significant pressure, having won only three games since January and overseeing a slide down the table (Articles 4, 5). A seven-game winless streak in the PL (Articles 1, 6, 7) and recent comments seemingly downplaying the rivalry have frustrated the fanbase (Articles 4, 5). Potter needs a result to appease supporters.
  • Tottenham: Ange Postecoglou is dealing with a "negative narrative" around the club despite Europa League progress (Articles 12, 13, 15). While Spurs aim for silverware, their league form has been poor (16th place, 19 losses - Article 12, 13, 15).

Tottenham's Europa League Distraction

  • Spurs hold a 3-1 lead over Bodo/Glimt in their Europa League semi-final first leg (Articles 2, 3, 4, 5, 12, 13, 15). The crucial second leg next Thursday is Postecoglou's clear priority (Articles 6, 7, 10, 11). Heavy rotation is expected for this EPL match to protect key players.

Injury Woes Impacting Both Sides

  • West Ham: Key forward Michail Antonio (leg) and Crysencio Summerville (hamstring) remain out. Midfielder Edson Alvarez (back) is a doubt (Articles 1, 6, 7).
  • Tottenham: Face several new blows. Lucas Bergvall (ankle) is out for the season. James Maddison (knee) is a major concern pending scans. Dominic Solanke (thigh/undisc) is doubtful after the midweek game. Captain Son Heung-min (foot) and Radu Dragusin (knee/ACL) also remain sidelined (Articles 2, 3, 6, 7, 12, 13, 15).

Home Advantage at London Stadium

  • Playing at home, West Ham will be desperate to give their frustrated supporters "something back" (Potter quote, Article 2, 3) against their fierce rivals.

Expected Outcome

Considering West Ham's need for a win, home advantage, and Tottenham's significant injury list combined with their focus firmly on European competition, the expected EPL outcome leans towards a motivated Hammers side potentially exploiting a heavily rotated Spurs team. Expect an open game with chances at both ends.

Recent Team Form & Key Players to Watch

West Ham United Form & Team News

  • West Ham Latest Form (Premier League): L D D L D L (Last 6 PL games based on Article 1 loss vs Brighton and previous results table). Currently on a seven-match winless run in the league.
  • West Ham Injury Updates:
    • Michail Antonio (Leg) - Out
    • Crysencio Summerville (Hamstring) - Out
    • Edson Alvarez (Back) - Doubt
  • Key Players:
    • Jarrod Bowen, Lucas Paqueta, Mohammed Kudus: The creative hub likely operating behind the striker.
    • Niclas Fullkrug: Pushing for a start (Article 1) and favourite to lead the line (Article 6, 7), offering a focal point in attack.
    • Evan Ferguson: Back available after being ineligible against parent club Brighton (Article 6, 7).

Tottenham Hotspur Form & Team News

  • Tottenham Latest Form (Premier League): L L L W L D (Last 6 PL games based on results table). Poor league results contrast with their Europa League run.
  • Tottenham Injury Updates:
    • Lucas Bergvall (Ankle) - Out (Season)
    • James Maddison (Knee) - Major Doubt
    • Dominic Solanke (Thigh/Undisclosed) - Doubt
    • Son Heung-min (Foot) - Out
    • Radu Dragusin (Knee/ACL) - Out
  • Key Players:
    • Richarlison: Expected to lead the line (Article 1) and needs to provide a goal threat in Son's absence.
    • Dejan Kulusevski, Pape Matar Sarr, Yves Bissouma: Likely to form a rotated midfield trio needing to control the game (Articles 6, 7, 10, 11).
    • Young Prospects: Keep an eye on potential minutes for youngsters like Archie Gray, Wilson Odobert, Mathys Tel, and possibly Mikey Moore (Articles 10, 11).

Tactical Preview: Potential Formations and Game Plans

Likely Formations

  • West Ham: Expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation (Article 6, 7), providing balance between defence and attack.
    • Predicted (based on Sporting News): Areola; Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Kilman, Emerson; Soucek, Alvarez; Bowen, Paqueta, Kudus; Fullkrug
  • Tottenham: Likely a 4-3-3 formation (Article 6, 7), but personnel will be heavily rotated.
    • Predicted (consensus from sources): Vicario; Spence/Gray/Porro, Danso, Davies, Spence/Davies; Kulusevski, Sarr, Bissouma; Odobert, Richarlison, Tel

Style of Play & Game Plans

  • West Ham: Under Potter, they might look to be solid defensively but need to show attacking intent at home. Expect reliance on individual quality from Bowen, Paqueta, and Kudus, potentially using Fullkrug as a target man.
  • Tottenham: Postecoglou typically favours attacking, possession-based football. However, with wholesale changes expected, cohesion might suffer. They could be vulnerable defensively but still possess attacking threats through players like Richarlison and Kulusevski. This could lead to a more transitional game than usual for Spurs.

Key Tactical Battles

  • Midfield Control: The battle between West Ham's likely pairing (e.g., Soucek & Alvarez/alternative) and Spurs' rotated trio (Sarr, Bissouma, Kulusevski) will be crucial for dictating the tempo.
  • West Ham Attack vs. Spurs' Makeshift Defence: Can Bowen, Kudus, and Fullkrug exploit a potentially unfamiliar Spurs backline featuring players like Danso, Gray, and Spence?
  • Richarlison vs. West Ham Centre-Backs: Can the Brazilian find space and goalscoring opportunities against West Ham's central defenders (e.g., Todibo, Kilman)?

This EPL tactical analysis suggests potential weaknesses for both sides to exploit.

Match Summary, Betting Angles & Fantasy Football Tips

This London derby arrives with both West Ham and Tottenham struggling for Premier League consistency, sitting 17th and 16th respectively. West Ham are desperate to end a seven-game winless run and appease disgruntled fans under manager Graham Potter. Tottenham, meanwhile, have their eyes firmly fixed on the Europa League semi-final second leg, with manager Ange Postecoglou set to heavily rotate his squad amidst a growing injury list.

Key Betting Angles:

  • Over 2.5 Goals: Seems likely given the prediction and potential defensive frailties.
  • Both Teams to Score (BTTS): Yes: Both sides have shown they can concede.
  • West Ham Win or Draw (Double Chance): A safer bet considering Spurs' likely rotation and focus elsewhere.

Fantasy Football Tips:

  • Consider: Jarrod Bowen (WHU), Mohammed Kudus (WHU), Lucas Paqueta (WHU) for attacking returns. Niclas Fullkrug (WHU) if starting. Richarlison (TOT) as a likely starter up front for Spurs.
  • Avoid/Caution: Tottenham defenders due to rotation and recent poor defensive showings (e.g., 5-1 loss to Liverpool). James Maddison (TOT) due to injury doubt.

Final Thought: Expect a potentially chaotic and high-scoring football match. West Ham's motivation and home advantage could prove decisive against a distracted and depleted Tottenham side. Don't be surprised by late drama in this classic soccer rivalry.