Duel. Tottenham Hotspur is coming back from an international break contemplating a North London Derby draw in their last match. The draw has Spurs in 5th place, facing the team that is even with them on points–West Ham. Spurs have been boosted by a run of strong form from its core starting lineup, as the likes of Jan Vertonghen, Toby Alderweireld, Eric Dier, and Harry Kane have starred of late. Off of a break, the question will be if Tottenham can quickly regain its form.


The West Ham team coming to North London lacks its best player, as Dimitri Payet recovers from an ankle injury that should keep him out until February. In his absence, players such as Diafra Sakho, Manuel Lanzini, and Victor Moses will look to pick up the attacking load. The Hammers’ centerback pairing is fairly formidable, as Winston Reid and James Tomkins will try to slow down a suddenly resurgent Harry Kane.

Which of these tied London teams will surpass their opponent after their derby? We shall see.

How to Watch
Date/time: Sunday, November 22, 4:00 p.m. (UK), 11:00 a.m. ET (USA)
Venue: White Hart Lane, London, UK
Official: Anthony Taylor
TV: NBCSN (USA), Sky Sports 1 (UK), Sportsnet World (Canada), Fox Sports 4 (Australia), other listings at livesoccertv.com
Streaming: NBCS Live Extra (USA)
Radio: Audio streamed at tottenhamhotspur.com, also BBC Radio London and TalkSport

Projected Lineup
Relative calm. We expect the Tottenham Hotspur lineup to largely remain the same as the Arsenal match, with the exception of Son Heung-Min returning to the starting lineup in favor of Erik Lamela, who is out on a yellow card suspension. However, it would be no shock to see Ryan Mason come back into the side or perhaps see Ben Davies start over Danny Rose.

Prediction League

As for the Prediction League, Ed dropped a second consecutive perfect prediction, bringing him into first place. The rules remain the same in the Prediction League — one point for a correct prediction and a bonus point for getting the score correct. Here are the current standings:

Michael Caley: 2-1 Spurs. Just reprint Salmon Chase’s story in this space: “Unrelated, for my 30th birthday my mom made a collage of all the comments from my last Hoddle and it made me cry like a baby in the middle of the Borgata, it made pia guo very confusing for several people.”

Bryan A.: West Ham have been at their best away from home this season. In those games they’ve sat deep and hit teams on the break. This has always been a style of play that Tottenham has struggled to break down. I’m feeling a disappointing draw is coming on. 1-1 Draw


GN_Punk: I’m very happy that we don’t have to put up with Payet because he’s dangerous. We’re the better side and this team is in great form. 2-0 Spurs

Mechanick: Son is due, I think no Payet is devastating for West Ham, and we deserve this. 1-0 Spurs

Ed F.: West Ham are fun on the road, we’re fairly resolute and stubborn at home. Calling this as a 2-2 Draw with West Ham battling back to gain a point late in the second half.


Skipjack: 3-1 Spurs, but honestly the real story here is the O/U on Dele Alli nutmegs.

Dustin Menno: We’re playing well right now, and not having Payet is huuuuuuuge. As long as we continue to not lose, I’m not going to predict that we lose. 3-0 Spurs.

Brett Rainbow: TBD

Ben Daniels: West Ham can’t play defense and their best player is injured. Spurs are going to challenge Leicester for the title. 3-0 Spurs

55thVin: 2-1 Spurs, because it just can’t be easy for us and West Ham will score this on 2 shots because they are just like that. But we still grind out a win.

Earl of Shoop: Despite their record and current table position, West Ham are not on our level. We continue our fantastic run of form and send them home in their usual and rightful shame to Anne Boleyn’s house or wherever they play. 2-0 Spurs and it’s never really close.

Luke Zimmerman: No Payet, no party. Irons are ineffective and Dele Alli continues a dream stretch of English press hyperbole to the tune of a 2-0 Spurs win.

Matthew Pachniuk: Always a tough fixture as West Ham will be up for it.  Part of me wants to say a draw, but I think we are going to get another affirmation of how strong this Tottenham team really is.  It will be a close, chippy contest, but Spurs will come out on top.  We have rest, White Hart Lane, and health on our side.  2-0 Spurs.

Jake Meador: If Payet were in the squad I’d be kinda terrified of this game, but no Payet is big. 2-0 Spurs.

Salmon Chase: Hey, is this thing on? Hi,hello I realize none of you know who I am but I think this Harry Kane fella is ok and might score the same amount of goals as their were good seasons of Sons of Anarchy. 3-1 Spurs