Following a few days on from international games for several Hammers’ first team members, it is thought Julen Lopetegui is only today getting his team choice finalised as several of his regulars only arrived back yesterday. According to Paul Merson, the break came just at the wrong tome for West Ham who had shown signs of firing on all cylinders against Ipswich Town. Now the challenge is to take that performance to north London tomorrow.
Merson is not convinced: In his customary round up on sportskeeda.com, the pundit suggests:
“When Julen Lopetegui finds his best XI, they will start firing. But I still doubt if he knows that. They got a big win over Ipswich last time out and the international break probably came at the wrong time for them.
“West Ham could be back to where they started now, and with the break giving time for things to settle down at Tottenham, I’m backing Spurs to win.”
At the same time, Merson does acknowledge Spurs’ vulnerability having recently twice caved-in from winning positions.”When they’re 2-0 up and cruising, everything seems great. But as soon as they concede, no one wants to stand up for each other. Thats a worrying trend and a huge problem for Postecoglou.”
Certainly the Hammers will be well aware of Spurs’ frailties when under pressure. The key will be to attack those vulnerabilities even if (or when!) West Ham go behind. A perfect opportunity for a fresh and fit Crysencio Summerville to run riot. Looking electric in training, we just hope Lopetegui is brave enough to give him a full 90 minutes against a nervy defence.
