Spurs face London derby test as crucial Ajax semi-final approaches

Tottenham look to consolidate third position but face a Manuel Pellegrini team that will be desperate to upset their London rivals.

Spurs have been in terrific form since arriving in their new home last month. Since that opening game against Crystal Palace. Mauricio Pochettino’s Lilywhites have won all three of their games back in North London without conceding a goal.

The opponents hoping to prevent a fifth straight victory in their new home are West Ham. The Hammers famously ruined Tottenham’s top-four challenge back in 2006 with the so-called ‘lasagna-gate’ fiasco when many Spurs players couldn’t play the final game of the season, eventually resulting in a Yossi Benayoun winner crushing  Martin Jol’s hopes, much to the delight of the east Londoners.

This time around the result isn’t of as much significance but Pochettino will be aware that with Manchester United and Chelsea playing on Sunday, a win for Tottenham will all but secure Champions League football in N17 next season.

That competition is at the forefront of most Spurs fans mind at the moment as their semi-final with Ajax ever-approaches. The visit of Erik ten Hag’s side could be considered Tottenham’s biggest game of the 21st century as Spurs aim to reach their first-ever Champions League final.

Tottenham’s injury list will worry Pochettino as Harry Kane (ankle), Serge Aurier, Erik Lamela (both hamstring), Moussa Sissoko and Harry Winks (both groin) all remain absent.

For West Ham, Andy Carroll (ankle), Andriy Yarmolenko (Achilles), Winston Reid and Carlos Sanchez (both knee) all remain long-term absentees.

Their Chilean boss will take positives from having Javier Hernandez, Manuel Lanzini and Aaron Cresswell all returning to training this week whilst it also looks as though former Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere will also be available for selection after making an appearance off the bench in West Ham’s last fixture against Leicester. 

West Ham are seeking a first win in five and have been successful against Spurs in recent years. Spurs seek their first double over the Hammers since the 2012/13 season with a victory also securing three wins in all competitions over West Ham, the first time Tottenham would have ever achieved this feat.

The away side will be keen to grab the label of the first visiting team to score at Tottenham’s new home. Spurs have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last six home matches against the Irons.

West Ham have not won an away game against a top-six opponent in 21 attempts but with injuries mounting up and one eye firmly fixed on their Champions League clash, Saturday may present the perfect opportunity for Pellegrini’s Hammers to upset the feel-good factor at their rivals.