The battle lines are drawn, the teams (mostly) back in the UK and reported for training ahead of tomorrows north London vs east London clash. Rather than solely focus on the usual BBC or Independent media pundits, I’ve been reverse-engineering the forecasts by checking out Tottenhams’ official analysis via their own web site which tells Spurs fans ‘we’ll bring you a tactical insight on our opponents’.
Rob Daly, their ‘official commentator’ believes evolution is taking place at West Ham: “Julen Lopetegui is trying to provide the evolution West Ham fans demand. Many of the ‘David Moyes era’ players remain but real change has started at the heart of their defence.” and goes onto single out Jean Clair Todibo for special praise:
“Todibo already boasts the best pass-completion percentage of any West Ham starter and will take big strides into midfield before punching passes between the lines. Add to that, he’s quick, enabling Lopetegui to play a higher defensive line.”
Crucially, Daly believes James Maddison will make the difference between the two teams and specifically asks:” Will West Ham make a tactical tweak in anticipation of Spurs playing two advanced central midfielders?” claiming Paquetá is easily knocked off the ball and The Irons will need extra strength in defensive midfield to deal with Maddison’s threat alongside Dejan Kulusevski.
An interesting insight into the tactics that West Ham will need to employ : 4-3-3 for the Irons sounding as if it would be the perfect counter to Spurs’ midfield strength. That would be perfect for a striker-less start for West Ham with Summerville Kudus and Bowen taking up the front three spots.
Let’s just hope Lopetegui ‘got the memo’ and goes strong in midfield to counter.
