Spurs vs West Ham | PL | 17.1.26 | Predictions and Match Thread

[stubbo-admin]

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Head to Head Stats:

Odds: 
WHU: 4/1
Draw: 3/1
Spurs: 3/4

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Well in what could be the last one of these for a while, we head to catchily names 'Tottenham Hotspur Stadium' this weekend for a clash between two sides who are, on form, pretty much the shittest in the league.

Thomas Frank, a manager that very few West Ham fans would have turned their nose up at any time post-Moyes is almost universally derided in North London, where his transformational overhaul at Spurs has seen them continue to concede just as many chances as they create (something Ange also managed), but has seen the frequency of those chances drop off a cliff.  Pretty it isn't.

Meanwhile at the toilet bowl, the saga involving Lucas Paqueta's desire to return to Brazil having been royally fucked over by English football in general, has once again reared it's ugly head...in some ways a refreshing distraction from the plight the Club is in, but in others, just another example of the disarray we find ourselves in.  It's also given the chance for the Club's most 'Senior Source' to start up with his social media 'reveals' again via the usual suspects (Whetstone/Ex/Gonzo/et al).

Take your pick what you believe, but he's either training on his own, gone on strike, nursing a back injury, or ready to stick one up the Cockerels.  Regardless it looks like he's off to Brazil in the not too distant future (frankly, who can blame him) and we'll now doubt 'soften the blow' with the exciting announcement of Adama Traore (Sullivan will need to spend the Paqueta dosh just to keep the lad in baby oil).

So back to this game. It's their dull, low block drudgery up against out dull, low block drudgery.  Maybe the new first team coach Paco Jemez can inspure Nuno to unshackle the beast, with tales of his relegation-cheating escapades at Rayo Vallecano (well, until they succombed in 2016). I doubt it though.  What is almost universally certain however, is that Spurs only fit-to-start frontman Kolo Muani will break his Spurs duck this weekend. Lump on!

Predicted line-up:

I expect Paqueta at best to be on the bench despite Nuno's protestations, meaning the decision will have to come down to whether to start both strikers, or stick one of the young CDMs in and push Fernandes higher up the pitch.  I suspect the latter.  The other decision...stick with T-Rex after a close-to-competent Cup performance, or welcome back Flapping Fonzi for some more 'punch their lights out' action.  My guess...the latter.

Areola

Wan Bissaka   Mavropanos   Todibo   Scarles

Soucek    Potts

Bowen        Fernandes     Summerville

Taty

Subs: Hermansen, KWP, Mayers, Casey, Magassa, Rodriguez, Kante, Irving & Pablo.

Predicted Score:

Well we have a bench full of negativity, a dug out lacking in adventure, and a team that barely limped past the might of QPR (in extra time no less).  They are drudgery personified.  But given our form predicting a 0:0 feels impossible.

Spurs 1 - 1 West Ham  (Kolo Muani, Soucek)

COYI

[Helmut Shown]

I know it's early days yet but I think the difference between our first half display and the second half was Pablo was linking in with Taty, Summerville and Bowen so the ball wasn't coming straight back at our defence and we started carving out opportunities. He tired in the second half but I think if he gets more playing time he could be an asset.

[zico]

Got to give a shout to Areola yesterday and for a few weeks now.  Yes his kicking is suspect at times, and there is the odd ricket when he comes for the ball (penalty last week comes to mind) but I actually think he is an excellent shot stopper and made some top saves again yesterday.  

[Fauxstralian]

Not sure what Brennan (did his parents misspell Brendan?) Johnson was thinking agreeing to the Palace transfer?
He knew Eze had gone & it’s been obvious Glasner, Guehi, Mateta & Wharton were heading out
He will be in the Wales squad if they made the World Cup anyway & he could either have waited til Frank got sacked or have more time in the summer to find a move 

[Haz]

When Wilson scored that last minute winner, I was pleading with him to head off to the touchline, get THAT stool, and just sit there for 10 seconds or so.  Can you imagine it?  There would have been absolute SCENES.

[southbankbornnbred]

Didn't they recently just chuck in 100 mil in the transfer kitty? Fwiw, it seems strange that Levy is no longer there, not sure what my point or have any clue how that changes them, but just seems strange.

Frank may or not go this week, but either way he's done there. 

 

Yep - they did. But, like Arsenal back then, it’ll be “money in, money out” for a while. Some of the investment will be aimed at luring in sponsors etc. But they’ll have one eye on big repayments on £1bn stadium.

Obviously the income from CL football was a real shot in the arm for them. And fwiw, I reckon they sold Johnson for 35 mil because Frank doesn't rate him, not because they needed the money.

You’re probably right about Frank/Johnson. But I doubt the Spurs’ boardroom and bean counters were unhappy. They’ve got massive loans to repay.

[Tomshardware]

Pablo reminds me of Kanoute.

[Manuel]

 

Yep - they did. But, like Arsenal back then, it’ll be “money in, money out” for a while. Some of the investment will be aimed at luring in sponsors etc. But they’ll have one eye on big repayments on £1bn stadium.

Obviously the income from CL football was a real shot in the arm for them. And fwiw, I reckon they sold Johnson for 35 mil because Frank doesn't rate him, not because they needed the money.

Johnson is one of those players who can get you a goal out of nothing when you least expect it. The trouble is that's all he can do. It's not like a player who can do that but also be very noticeable and influencial on the pitch within a tactical gameplan. Maybe Frank sets up in a very rigid way and it doesn't suit him. Kudus is similar but definitely more skillful but not sure he's the upgrade they expected

Yea, I don't really rate him, flaky. Mid-table type of player.

[eusebiovic]

Didn't they recently just chuck in 100 mil in the transfer kitty? Fwiw, it seems strange that Levy is no longer there, not sure what my point or have any clue how that changes them, but just seems strange.

Frank may or not go this week, but either way he's done there. 

 

Yep - they did. But, like Arsenal back then, it’ll be “money in, money out” for a while. Some of the investment will be aimed at luring in sponsors etc. But they’ll have one eye on big repayments on £1bn stadium.

Obviously the income from CL football was a real shot in the arm for them. And fwiw, I reckon they sold Johnson for 35 mil because Frank doesn't rate him, not because they needed the money.

Johnson is one of those players who can get you a goal out of nothing when you least expect it. The trouble is that's all he can do. It's not like a player who can do that but also be very noticeable and influencial on the pitch within a tactical gameplan. Maybe Frank sets up in a very rigid way and it doesn't suit him. Kudus is similar but definitely more skillful but not sure he's the upgrade they expected

[Manuel]

Spurs are now in the same phase Arsenal were in after they built their stadium (and until they got their debt down): their debt interest is huge and their repayments are massive. They don’t have as much spare cash as they’re letting on: hence, the need to flog marginal first-teamers like Johnson.

They won’t say it, because they don’t want to scare investors/sponsors. But their shiny new stadium will hinder their finances for a while. Once their debt is lower, it will help them. Same thing happened at Arsenal, who kept telling everybody Wenger “didn’t want” to spend big bucks. The reality is that he didn’t have big bucks for a few seasons.

Didn't they recently just chuck in 100 mil in the transfer kitty? Fwiw, it seems strange that Levy is no longer there, not sure what my point or have any clue how that changes them, but just seems strange.

Frank may or not go this week, but either way he's done there. 

 

Yep - they did. But, like Arsenal back then, it’ll be “money in, money out” for a while. Some of the investment will be aimed at luring in sponsors etc. But they’ll have one eye on big repayments on £1bn stadium.

Obviously the income from CL football was a real shot in the arm for them. And fwiw, I reckon they sold Johnson for 35 mil because Frank doesn't rate him, not because they needed the money.

[southbankbornnbred]

Watched just now as i only had radio this afternoon.

Those last few seconds were a bit hairy. Rodriguez headed a great clearance before todibo finally booted it out. Looked ok today, we'll get no better time to play them,  richarlison and kudus out. Why did they sell Johnson, fuck knows? Anyway not interested in their problems.

We fucked up christmas and need miracles.


, 

Spurs are now in the same phase Arsenal were in after they built their stadium (and until they got their debt down): their debt interest is huge and their repayments are massive. They don’t have as much spare cash as they’re letting on: hence, the need to flog marginal first-teamers like Johnson.

They won’t say it, because they don’t want to scare investors/sponsors. But their shiny new stadium will hinder their finances for a while. Once their debt is lower, it will help them. Same thing happened at Arsenal, who kept telling everybody Wenger “didn’t want” to spend big bucks. The reality is that he didn’t have big bucks for a few seasons.

Didn't they recently just chuck in 100 mil in the transfer kitty? Fwiw, it seems strange that Levy is no longer there, not sure what my point or have any clue how that changes them, but just seems strange.

Frank may or not go this week, but either way he's done there. 

 

 

Yep - they did. But, like Arsenal back then, it’ll be “money in, money out” for a while. Some of the investment will be aimed at luring in sponsors etc. But they’ll have one eye on big repayments on £1bn stadium.

[eusebiovic]

It looks like throwing those 6 points away against Brentford and Leeds and also the recent Forest game at home has made things extremely difficult.

Yesterday was good for a change but even if we had taken just 5 points from those 3 games there wouldn't be a lot to feel so apprehensive about at the moment.

It is what it is

[Manuel]

Watched just now as i only had radio this afternoon.

Those last few seconds were a bit hairy. Rodriguez headed a great clearance before todibo finally booted it out. Looked ok today, we'll get no better time to play them,  richarlison and kudus out. Why did they sell Johnson, fuck knows? Anyway not interested in their problems.

We fucked up christmas and need miracles.


, 

Spurs are now in the same phase Arsenal were in after they built their stadium (and until they got their debt down): their debt interest is huge and their repayments are massive. They don’t have as much spare cash as they’re letting on: hence, the need to flog marginal first-teamers like Johnson.

They won’t say it, because they don’t want to scare investors/sponsors. But their shiny new stadium will hinder their finances for a while. Once their debt is lower, it will help them. Same thing happened at Arsenal, who kept telling everybody Wenger “didn’t want” to spend big bucks. The reality is that he didn’t have big bucks for a few seasons.

Didn't they recently just chuck in 100 mil in the transfer kitty? Fwiw, it seems strange that Levy is no longer there, not sure what my point or have any clue how that changes them, but just seems strange.

Frank may or not go this week, but either way he's done there. 

[southbankbornnbred]

Watched just now as i only had radio this afternoon.

Those last few seconds were a bit hairy. Rodriguez headed a great clearance before todibo finally booted it out. Looked ok today, we'll get no better time to play them,  richarlison and kudus out. Why did they sell Johnson, fuck knows? Anyway not interested in their problems.

We fucked up christmas and need miracles.


, 

Spurs are now in the same phase Arsenal were in after they built their stadium (and until they got their debt down): their debt interest is huge and their repayments are massive. They don’t have as much spare cash as they’re letting on: hence, the need to flog marginal first-teamers like Johnson.

They won’t say it, because they don’t want to scare investors/sponsors. But their shiny new stadium will hinder their finances for a while. Once their debt is lower, it will help them. Same thing happened at Arsenal, who kept telling everybody Wenger “didn’t want” to spend big bucks. The reality is that he didn’t have big bucks for a few seasons.

[Eerie Decent]

Feet doesn't do nuance, he either wants a manager sacked becausethe team are shit and are all cunts, or everyone on here is a cսnt for looking at the pros and cons of a performance in a level headed way.

[fraser]

Usual suspects sucking the joy out of a win.

I’m sure they are only happy when we lose.

Irons. 

I've not seen anyone who isn't happy at beating those cunts wtf are you talking about. Just being honest about how the game went and how poor they were. 

[fraser]

I'm not sure Soucek should be starting against Sunderland we will need more legs against them and we won't have as much room and we have to be on the front foot from the off. 

He did well yesterday though, but horses for courses. 

[twoleftfeet]

Usual suspects sucking the joy out of a win.

I’m sure they are only happy when we lose.

Irons. 

[Mex Martillo]

I agree we need Soucek for this fight. I think with Fernandes and Pablo around him and Bowen and Summerville either side we can make up for his lack of quality in the midfield. I am impressed with Pablo he plays quite deep for a forward, gets stuck in and takes the ball forward. It is promising, but he needs to make it count, as so far it has been a bit headless. I hope he gets more time, we need to be patient as we have been with Summerville. On AWB, on their day he is our best LB, but Walker Peters is not far behind him. I thought he was at fault for the goal. If he could not get his head on it a small acceptable shove would have done it, ha ha ha. If it was not AWB at fault, it was Mavropanos, who actually had an excellent game.

As for a draw being a fair result, no way we deserved to win and played better than Spurs most of the game. They made more mistakes, were not fighting as much and did want to win as much as we did. You could see it in how their players were.

Lastly I think young sixteen enjoyed writing this!
https://www.theguardian.com/football/20 ... -looks-run

[Massive Attack]

As for his Subs, his first thought was still to go for a late Defensive option and of all the fucking Subs to make it was that donkey Rodriguez for a Striker soon after they scored, no doubt so he could settle for a point on the 78th minute.

Our boys desperately needed help with fresh legs that 2nd half before they scored with their fresh players in attack which had the desired effect to get them back in it.

When he took Castellanos off in injury time and then took off Fernandes it felt more to do with winding down the clock rather than wanting to go for the win. Luckily for us though Wilson's instinct is to always try and score regardless of how little time he is given on the pitch even if it is just a few minutes in the dying moments. Now that is a top level Professional Team player mindset. Shame we've seen so little of him.

[stubbo-admin]

He didn't attack the ball, completely flat footed as usual. Brainless defender. I didn't think much of his all round game either.

He seems to be teflon with a lot of our fanbase, for some reason.

Tend to agree. Totally lacking in football intelligence and general situational awareness.  Just reacts so slowly (or not at all). Like the neurons don't fire quite quickly enough.

[Eerie Decent]

He didn't attack the ball, completely flat footed as usual. Brainless defender. I didn't think much of his all round game either.

He seems to be teflon with a lot of our fanbase, for some reason.

[the exile]

Don't think it's fair to blame AWB for their goal. If anything, one of the CBs should have been aware enough to pick him up. But credit to that bastard Romero, who got into a great position and attacked the ball superbly. AWB's performance overall was one of the positives for me. 

But the biggest positive was that the whole team looked really up for it and suddenly seem to have found some real battling spirit. Jimmy is a player reborn and we need to keep him fit and firing. Taty is working hard and showing some good signs. My heart sank when I saw that Soucek was playing but he was very good. My only negative in that starting lineup was Pablo. Hopefully he just needs time to settle in and get up to speed but I remain to be convinced that we haven't bought a dud there.

[Massive Attack]

Another player who deserves praise for yesterday was Soucek, a lot of us are very quick to dig him out, but I thought he was excellent for the most part.

All I would say is, especially in the first half, they were fucking diabolical, and we can hardly say it was because of us. Their home form is shocking, and you could see why yesterday. Not many teams are going to give our midfield that time and space, hence why Frank changed it at half time.










 

It's his excellent battling qualities we have been missing when in a relegation dogfight. Not pretty at times but it doesn't have to be when he dominates both boxes the way he does and gets stuck in elsewhere. Sooner have him in Midfield than Magassa who aint all that.

100% regarding Spurs woeful display and form. They are just as bad as us at Home these days. There shiny new stadium money making toys aint all they're cracked up to be when it comes to the Football on the pitch. Plus they do have a fair few injuries.

As for their stadium, not sure if you've been in there, but I have to say, although ours is clearly the worst ground in the country, and this is not sour grapes, but I don't rate their gaff as a football stadium whatsoever. It looks flashy on the tele, but it's just another fucking soulless spaceship, give me a Craven Cottage over that place any day of the week.

 

 

Likewise. Craven Cottage is now a cool mixture of the historical old with the new carefully built modern corporate stand that fits in with the surroundings on the embankment. Excellently preserved. It's 1 of my favourite grounds now in the modern era that's done it right without feeling the need to move. How it should be done. Wish we also never left and redeveloped as we originally planned to and now look at us.. Wankers. 

[Sir Alf]

Agree Fraser.  Great to get a result with the “marginals” going our way for once. Quality of the performance was not much better than most the games we lost like against Fulham, Forest, Villa and Brighton but we were quite unlucky to lose most of those. We were worth a draw in other words. Yesterday we were worth a draw but got a win.

The big positive was the battling attitude which we’ve not seen with players like Mavrapanos and Todibo putting their bodies on the line. Partially inspired by the 2 lads up front who put in a shift by pressing and competing and defending from the front. That also seems to have rubbed off on others in the team. That alone if maintained should garner a few more points but the same issues in the squad / team remain and prevent us imo getting enough points without some more incomings.

Its still a very weak squad with few if any options at the 60 min mark as players tire or we suffer an injury. CB area needs another option as one of Todibo or Mavrapanos will get injured at some point. Imo central midfield still needs more pace and strength. We are usually second to the 50:50s and struggle to get possession in many games or alternatively struggle to stretch teams that sit deep as we cannot move the ball quickly or accurately enough. 

 

[Eerie Decent]

Another player who deserves praise for yesterday was Soucek, a lot of us are very quick to dig him out, but I thought he was excellent for the most part.

All I would say is, especially in the first half, they were fucking diabolical, and we can hardly say it was because of us. Their home form is shocking, and you could see why yesterday. Not many teams are going to give our midfield that time and space, hence why Frank changed it at half time.





 

It's his excellent battling qualities we have been missing when in a relegation dogfight. Not pretty at times but it doesn't have to be when he dominates both boxes the way he does and gets stuck in elsewhere. Sooner have him in Midfield than Magassa who aint all that.

100% regarding Spurs woeful display and form. They are just as bad as us at Home these days. There shiny new stadium money making toys aint all they're cracked up to be when it comes to the Football on the pitch. Plus they do have a fair few injuries.

Yeah, in our current predicament I've no problem Soucek starting, I do worry about teams with more mobile midfields though.

As for their stadium, not sure if you've been in there, but I have to say, although ours is clearly the worst ground in the country, and this is not sour grapes, but I don't rate their gaff as a football stadium whatsoever. It looks flashy on the tele, but it's just another fucking soulless spaceship, give me a Craven Cottage over that place any day of the week.