The Hammers will be hoping to bounce back from their defeat to West Bromich Albion last weekend. West Ham are not yet guaranteed Premier League safety and have now lost seven in their last nine games. Sam Allardyce blamed his side’s lack of clinical finishing for the defeat and will expect his side to take every chance against Tottenham this weekend.
Andy Carroll looked most likely to score in the Hammers’ defeat to West Bromich Albion. Carroll, who has missed most of the season through injury, had two shots out of a possible five on target. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he has scored three times in 12 appearances in the Premier League this season..
Stuart Downing was the Hammers’ greatest creative attacking threat last weekend, making five attacking contributions (shots on target, assists, dribbles and crosses). He has made 94 attacking contributions this season and has completed 491 passes in the opposition half. Allardyce will be hoping that Downing can provide the spark which can guarantee the Londoners safety.
Mark Noble will be integral to West Ham’s chances this weekend. If West Ham are to contain Tottenham’s attacking threats, Noble will have his work cut out in midfield. Hammers’ fans however will feel that Noble is capable, the EA SPORTS Player Performance index shows that he has won 97 out of a possible 150 tackles this season; the highest at the club.
Tottenham will be hoping to build on last week’s victory away to Stoke which ended a six away game losing streak. Spurs, who are currently in 6th place, sit just four points behind 4th placed Arsenal. Tim Sherwood will be hoping his side can build on last weeks win as he attempts to mount one last push for Champions League qualification.
Harry Kane continued to impress last weekend against Stoke. The forward registered two shots on target out of a possible five making him the most accurate in front of goal. Kane has made eight appearances this season and has had ten out of a possible 15 shots on target and has bagged himself three goals. Spurs fans will be hoping that he continues to develop into a merciless goal machine.
Emanuel Adebayor has had a seriously impressive season under boss Tim Sherwood; having looking to have lost his way under André Villas-Boas. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he made four attacking contributions (shots on target, assists, dribbles and crosses) against Stoke last weekend, including an assist which led to Rose’s goal.
Danny Rose was influential at both ends of the field against Stoke last weekend. In addition to scoring the only goal of the match, which was his first of the season, Rose also won eight out of a possible nine tackles and made 12 defensive contributions (tackles won, blocks, interceptions and clearances).