Tottenham vs West Ham Prediction, Match Preview and Betting Tips, Saturday, 17 January

Tottenham will host West Ham at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this Saturday, 17 January, in a highly anticipated Premier League clash. This match is not only a battle for points but also a matter of pride, as both teams are eager to assert their dominance in this London derby. With Tottenham looking to capitalise on their home advantage and West Ham aiming to disrupt their plans, this encounter promises to be a thrilling contest.

The Premier League fixture between Tottenham and West Ham is significant for both sides as they seek to climb the league table. The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium will provide the backdrop for this exciting matchup, where the home side will be keen to secure a victory against their city rivals. Meanwhile, West Ham will be determined to challenge Tottenham’s ambitions and snatch valuable points away from home. This match offers plenty of intrigue for fans and bettors alike, with both teams having much to prove.

Tottenham vs West Ham Prediction & Betting Tip

Betting Tip	Odds
Tottenham to win	1.72

Given the recent form and significant defensive issues that West Ham have faced throughout the season, our recommended betting tip is to back Tottenham for a win. Tottenham’s home advantage and West Ham’s struggles on the road make this a promising bet.

• Tottenham have scored in 80% of their home matches this season, indicating a strong home performance.
• West Ham have conceded an average of 2.1 goals per game, highlighting their defensive vulnerabilities.
• In the last three head-to-head matches at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Tottenham have won twice and scored a total of 7 goals against West Ham.

Betting Odds

Tottenham are stepping into this Premier League fixture as the favourites with odds of 1.72, reflecting their strong home form at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Meanwhile, West Ham’s odds stand at 4.61, suggesting a potential upset for those backing the Hammers.

Betting Tip	Odds
Tottenham to win	1.72
Draw	3.91
West Ham to win	4.61

The draw is priced at 3.91, which could be tempting given the unpredictable nature of London derbies. For those looking at goal markets, both teams have shown attacking prowess, making the over 2.5 goals market an intriguing option.

Tottenham Analysis & Past Performance

Tottenham have faced a challenging period recently, as evidenced by their last five matches, which have yielded only one win, two draws, and two losses. These results highlight a team struggling to find consistency in their form, especially at home, where they have managed just one victory in their previous five encounters.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
Tottenham	Aston Villa	1 – 2 (Loss)	FA Cup	10 Jan 2026
Bournemouth	Tottenham	3 – 2 (Loss)	Premier League	7 Jan 2026
Tottenham	Sunderland	1 – 1 (Draw)	Premier League	4 Jan 2026
Brentford	Tottenham	0 – 0 (Draw)	Premier League	1 Jan 2026
Crystal Palace	Tottenham	0 – 1 (Win)	Premier League	28 Dec 2025

Recent Form:
Tottenham’s performance analysis reveals an average of 1.00 goal scored per match and 1.20 goals conceded over their last five games. Despite scoring in four of these fixtures, defensive frailties have been evident, with only two clean sheets recorded. Their ability to find the net has been inconsistent, as shown in their recent 1-2 loss to Aston Villa in the FA Cup and the 0-0 draw against Brentford.

Sitting 14th in the Premier League with 27 points, Tottenham’s league position reflects their mid-bottom standing. The team’s 0.40 home win ratio further emphasises their struggles at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Richarlison remains a key figure in attack, having scored 7 goals this season, but Tottenham’s reliance on individual brilliance rather than cohesive team dynamics has often been their undoing.

• LLDDW

Tottenham Suspensions & Injuries

Tottenham face a challenging situation with several key players sidelined due to injuries, which could significantly impact their tactical setup against West Ham. The absence of Dejan Kulusevski due to a knee injury, expected to return in late January, leaves a gap in their attacking options. James Maddison’s cruciate ligament injury will keep him out until early May, depriving Tottenham of his creative spark in midfield.

Richarlison is doubtful for the match due to a hamstring injury, which might lead to Randal Kolo Muani taking on more responsibility in the forward line. With Mohammed Kudus and Rodrigo Bentancur also out until mid-April, Tottenham’s midfield depth will be tested. Lucas Bergvall’s knock, leaving him doubtful, further complicates the team’s selection headaches.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Dejan Kulusevski	Knee injury	Late January 2026
James Maddison	Cruciate ligament injury	Early May 2026
Mohammed Kudus	Muscle injury	Mid April 2026
Richarlison	Hamstring injury	Doubtful
Lucas Bergvall	Knock	Doubtful
Rodrigo Bentancur	Hamstring injury	Mid April 2026

The absence of these players could lead Tottenham to rely heavily on their current starting lineup, with potential tactical adjustments to accommodate the missing personnel. Thomas Frank may opt for a more conservative approach, emphasising defensive solidity and counter-attacks, to compensate for the lack of depth in key areas. The betting markets might see Tottenham as less favourable due to these significant absences, potentially affecting their odds in this Premier League encounter.

Tottenham Key Players

Richarlison, Tottenham’s top scorer with 7 goals, is a pivotal figure in their attacking lineup. His ability to exploit defensive weaknesses with his pace and clinical finishing makes him a constant threat. Even though his inclusion might be uncertain due to fitness concerns, his influence when fit cannot be understated.

In midfield, João Palhinha stands out as a key player with his robust defensive contributions and ability to transition play from defence to attack. His presence is crucial in breaking up opposition moves and maintaining possession, providing a foundation for Tottenham’s attacking play. Xavi Simons, known for his creativity and dribbling skills, adds a layer of unpredictability that can unlock defences.

Expected lineup for Tottenham

• Goalkeeper: Guglielmo Vicario
• Defence: Micky van de Ven, Djed Spence, Pedro Porro, Cristian Romero
• Midfield: Archie Gray, Wilson Odobert, João Palhinha, Mathys Tel, Xavi Simons
• Forward: Randal Kolo Muani

Defensively, the partnership of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven is critical. Romero’s aggressive defending style complements van de Ven’s pace and tactical awareness, forming a solid backline that can thwart the opposition’s attacks. Their synergy will be vital in maintaining defensive solidity and providing a platform for Tottenham to build their offensive play.

Tottenham Tactics and Formation

Tottenham Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Randal Kolo Muani
• Midfield Pivot: João Palhinha and Archie Gray
• Defensive Strength: Two clean sheets in the last five games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on quick transitions and utilising wing play.

Tottenham’s 4-2-3-1 formation, under the guidance of Thomas Frank, offers a balanced approach with a focus on maintaining possession and swift transitions. João Palhinha and Archie Gray form the midfield pivot, providing a blend of defensive coverage and playmaking abilities. The absence of James Maddison and Richarlison requires adjustments, as their creative influence and goal-scoring prowess are missed.

Defensively, the inclusion of Cristian Romero and Micky van de Ven in central roles aims to solidify the backline, while full-backs Djed Spence and Pedro Porro provide width. Despite some inconsistencies, Tottenham have managed to secure two clean sheets in their recent outings, reflecting a growing defensive resilience.

Offensively, Tottenham rely heavily on the pace and skill of wingers Wilson Odobert and Mathys Tel, with Randal Kolo Muani leading the attack. Their strategy often involves exploiting the flanks and rapid counterattacks, aiming to catch opponents off guard and create scoring opportunities.

West Ham Analysis & Past Performance

West Ham have recently struggled to find form, currently sitting 18th in the Premier League with just 14 points. Over their last five matches, they have secured only one victory, a narrow 2-1 win over Queens Park Rangers in the FA Cup, while suffering three defeats and managing one draw. These results underscore a challenging period for the team.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
West Ham	Queens Park Rangers	1 – 1 (Extra time: 1 – 0) (Win)	FA Cup	11 Jan 2026
West Ham	Nottingham Forest	1 – 2 (Loss)	Premier League	6 Jan 2026
Wolverhampton	West Ham	3 – 0 (Loss)	Premier League	3 Jan 2026
West Ham	Brighton	2 – 2 (Draw)	Premier League	30 Dec 2025
West Ham	Fulham	0 – 1 (Loss)	Premier League	27 Dec 2025

Recent Form:

• WLLDL

In their last five league outings, West Ham have averaged only 1.00 goal per game while conceding 1.80 on average. Their defence has failed to keep a clean sheet in any of these encounters, which highlights a significant area of concern. Away from home, their form has been particularly concerning, with no wins secured in their last five attempts, culminating in two losses and three draws. This away form is a critical factor as they prepare to face Tottenham.

West Ham Suspensions & Injuries

West Ham face a couple of notable absences due to injuries, which could influence their tactical approach against Tottenham. Łukasz Fabiański is sidelined with a back injury, leaving Alphonse Areola to continue as the starting goalkeeper. While Areola is a competent replacement, Fabiański’s experience and leadership at the back may be missed, especially in a high-stakes Premier League encounter. Konstantinos Mavropanos, another key player, is recovering from a head injury and is expected to return by late January 2026. His absence will likely see Jean-Clair Todibo partnering with Max Kilman in central defence, a pairing that offers solidity but may lack the same level of aerial dominance.

Player	Injury	Expected Return
Łukasz Fabiański	Back injury	Doubtful
Konstantinos Mavropanos	Head injury	Late January 2026

With these injuries, West Ham’s tactical setup remains relatively intact, as the core of their starting lineup is unaffected. The 4-2-3-1 formation should remain unchanged, allowing Nuno Espírito Santo to maintain a consistent approach. However, the depth on the bench could be a concern, especially if the match becomes physically demanding. The absence of Mavropanos could mean a more cautious defensive line, potentially affecting their ability to press high up the pitch.

From a betting perspective, while West Ham’s first eleven is strong, the absence of key squad players like Fabiański and Mavropanos might reduce their odds slightly. Tottenham could exploit these gaps, especially at set-pieces and during transitions, where Mavropanos’ defensive capabilities are notably missed.

West Ham Key Players

Jarrod Bowen stands out as West Ham’s top scorer, having netted 6 goals this season. Bowen’s ability to exploit space with his pace and precision makes him a vital attacking threat. His role as a winger allows him to cut inside and pose a constant goal threat, making him a key figure in West Ham’s offensive strategy.

In midfield, Lucas Paquetá and Tomáš Souček are pivotal. Paquetá’s playmaking skills and vision offer creativity and flair, while Souček’s physical presence and aerial ability provide a robust midfield anchor. The synergy between these two will be crucial in dictating the tempo and disrupting Tottenham’s midfield setup.

Expected lineup for West Ham

• Goalkeeper: Alphonse Areola
• Defence: Kyle Walker-Peters, Max Kilman, Jean-Clair Todibo, Oliver Scarles
• Midfield: Mateus Fernandes, Tomáš Souček, Lucas Paquetá, Crysencio Summerville, Jarrod Bowen
• Forward: Valentín Castellanos

Defensively, Max Kilman and Jean-Clair Todibo form a solid central partnership. Kilman’s composure and Todibo’s tackling prowess are essential in maintaining defensive stability. Additionally, Alphonse Areola’s shot-stopping abilities in goal will be vital in thwarting Tottenham’s attacking efforts. Collectively, these players shape West Ham’s tactical resilience and adaptability.

West Ham Tactics and Formation

West Ham Tactical Breakdown:

• Formation: 4-2-3-1
• Key Forward: Valentín Castellanos
• Midfield Pivot: Mateus Fernandes and Tomáš Souček
• Defensive Challenge: No clean sheets in recent games
• Notable Strategy: Emphasis on wide play and midfield control.

West Ham’s 4-2-3-1 formation, managed by Nuno Espírito Santo, aims to provide a balanced approach between attack and defence. The inclusion of Mateus Fernandes and Tomáš Souček as the midfield pivot ensures a blend of defensive coverage and forward thrust, crucial for maintaining possession and dictating the tempo.

Offensively, the team rely heavily on the creativity and pace of wingers Crysencio Summerville and Jarrod Bowen, with the latter being the top scorer with six goals. Valentín Castellanos serves as the focal point in attack, tasked with converting the chances created from wide areas.

Defensively, the absence of regulars like Konstantinos Mavropanos due to injury requires adjustments. The backline, featuring Jean-Clair Todibo and Max Kilman, has struggled to secure clean sheets, conceding an average of 1.80 goals per match in recent outings. This highlights a need for improved organisation and resilience against Tottenham’s attacking threats.

Tottenham vs West Ham Head-to-Head Record

Tottenham have the upper hand in the head-to-head record against West Ham, with 26 wins to West Ham’s 14, alongside 11 draws. In their most recent encounter, Spurs secured a commanding 3-0 victory away at the London Stadium in September 2025. This match was part of the Premier League, continuing their strong form in this competition.

The last time Tottenham hosted West Ham, it was a memorable 4-1 win for the home side in October 2024. Spurs have generally been dominant at home, and this fixture has often seen plenty of goals, with Tottenham scoring 82 compared to West Ham’s 58 in their meetings.

Home Team	Away Team	Result	Competition	Date
West Ham United	Tottenham Hotspur	0 – 3	Premier League	2025-09-13
West Ham United	Tottenham Hotspur	1 – 1	Premier League	2025-05-04
Tottenham Hotspur	West Ham United	4 – 1	Premier League	2024-10-19
West Ham United	Tottenham Hotspur	1 – 1	Premier League	2024-04-02
Tottenham Hotspur	West Ham United	1 – 2	Premier League	2023-12-07