Short introduction for the upcoming game
As the Premier League season continues, we turn our attention to an intriguing London derby, with Tottenham set to host West Ham at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on the 7th of December, 2023. Both teams are traditionally competitive and have strong desires to finish high on the table. This match is not only important for the standings but also carries the usual derby prestige, promising to be an exciting encounter.
Match analysis
Looking at the form that both Tottenham and West Ham bring into this match, we have seen Tottenham struggling for consistency. They've had a mixed bag of results with two wins, two draws, and a loss in their last five matches. Offensively, they have demonstrated prowess, particularly in the thrilling 3-3 draw against Manchester City, but defensively there have been vulnerabilities, evident in their 4-1 defeat to Chelsea.
West Ham, on the other hand, is an example of a team with a mercurial nature recently. They have managed to pull off impressive wins, such as their victory against Crystal Palace in the UEFA Europa League, but have also suffered losses, including a surprising 4-1 defeat to Aston Villa. It's a side that seems capable of both solid defensive showings and lapses in concentration.
Recent form
The 'Spurs' have found the back of the net consistently, scoring in 8 out of their last 10 matches, highlighting their goal-scoring threat. However, conceding 9 goals in the same period identifies a chink in their defensive armor - an area of potential exploitation for the opposition.
West Ham exhibit a rather erratic form. They have secured victories in 4 out of their last 10 matches, with a goal-scoring rate matching their tenacity. However, they have also conceded in 7 out of those 10 matches, indicative of a defense that could be penetrated.
Head to head
- Tottenham has won 2 of the last 5 head-to-head encounters.
- West Ham has come out on top 2 times.
- There has been 1 draw between the two sides.
- The most recent friendly match saw West Ham defeat Tottenham with 3 goals to 2.
- Historically, the matches tend to be competitive with both teams finding the net frequently.
The percentage of Tottenham wins is 40%, West Ham wins 40%, with draws accounting for 20% of their recent encounters.
Prediction
This game is likely to be tightly contested with both teams looking to assert dominance over the other. Given Tottenham's home advantage and their capacity to score coupled with West Ham's inconsistency, there could be value in backing Tottenham to win. However, considering the potential for goals from both teams, a bet such as 'Both Teams to Score' appears a sensible choice.
Tactically, West Ham may find the defensive solidity to counter Tottenham's attack, so the 'Asian Handicap' market could offer value in giving West Ham a +0.5 goal head start.
Given the patterns of play and the attacking threat that both teams possess, an 'Over 2.5 Goals' bet also looks promising.
For a full-time score, taking the recent form into consideration, a 2-1 victory for Tottenham seems a likely outcome.
Betting tip: Tottenham to win with 'Both Teams to Score' and 'Over 2.5 Goals' in the match.
