No matter how much it hurts Tottenham fans, however, the upcoming meeting of the London teams can only have the status of a mid-table clash. Full-fledged capital derby this duel can not be called. Such "Spurs" recently lost to Arsenal. The current position of Postecoglou's team is roughly similar to what it achieved at the end of the last draw of the Premier League. West Ham not so long ago became the triumphant of the secondary European tournament. At the same time, the "Hammers" for the past and current season have slipped to the usual level of the middle of the division with the risks of participation in the fight for survival. Bookmakers have identified the home team as favorites for the upcoming meeting, offering odds of 1.51 on their victory.

It cannot be said that the new season "Spurs" started in a disastrous way. However, if we take into account the ambitions of the London club, the results of the two starting months of the football year can be recognised as unsatisfactory. By and large, Tottenham lost to all the clubs with whom they could compete for positions in the Champions League zone: Newcastle, Arsenal and Brighton. Only Manchester United have been beaten by Spurs, but now only a faded trace of football remains of that club's colourful name. Victories over Everton, Ferencvaros, Coventry City and Qarabag can hardly seriously talk about the good playing form of the London team. In this regard, the total underestimated odds for Spurs' victory over West Ham United are perplexing.

"Hammers" are also ranked by bookmakers as mediocre teams at the Premier League level, but it is difficult to call them "whipping boys". Yes, West Ham lost to Manchester City, Chelsea and Liverpool without much of a chance this season, but the current Tottenham are not up to the level of these rivals. Last round "Hammers" in their home walls defeated Ipswich Town (4:1), which allowed them to go in good spirits for the break associated with the matches of national teams. In the last ten head-to-head meetings West Ham beat Tottenham more often (four wins against three), and with a difference of more than one goal "Hammers" lost only in two matches (20%) of the total number of matches played. The guests will impose a struggle on their rivals.