West Ham seek consistency in high-stakes London derby against Tottenham

Tottenham Hotspur Stadium forms the backdrop for a high-stakes London derby between Tottenham and West Ham United.

Under-fire new manager Julen Lopetegui found a much-needed confidence booster ahead of October’s international break.

Michail Antonio’s first-minute opener set the tone for West Ham’s scintillating 4-1 romping of Ipswich Town at the London Stadium.

That was Lopetegui’s first Premier League home win in charge of the Irons, yet it was merely enough for a dismal 12th place.

Lopetegui will turn to Antonio again on Saturday after confirming summer signing Niclas Fullkrug is unavailable for selection during his pre-match conference.

Hot Seat Getting Warmer

West Ham’s decision to appoint the former Wolverhampton Wanderers boss has never convinced the Hammers faithful.

A dire record of two victories from the opening seven league matches only fuelled fans’ frustration.

If Lopetegui was supposed to be an upgrade on former manager David Moyes, the early results haven’t reflected it.

However, the Spaniard might have turned the corner with a thumping win against Ipswich.

The upcoming London derby may show whether it was only a one-off or the beginning of a new dawn at West Ham.

Mixed Feelings

West Ham’s unbeaten run across their opening three top-flight travels is a rare upside of Lopetegui’s unconvincing start.

Interestingly, all three matches came against fellow London rivals Crystal Palace (2-0), Fulham (1-1) and Brentford (1-1).

But all three saw the Hammers fail to score before half-time.

Another sluggish start could be West Ham’s scourge in this encounter.

Terminally unable to fend off their opponents, Lopetegui’s men come into proceedings having failed to keep a clean sheet in their last six competitive games.

In theory, they won’t need one to win this weekend.

They stunned Spurs 2-1 in this corresponding fixture in 2023/24, making it three unbeaten league H2Hs in their last four.

West Ham Potential XI

(4-2-3-1): Areola; Wan-Bissaka, Todibo, Kilman, Emerson; Rodriguez, Soucek; Bowen, Paqueta, Kudus; Antonio