Paul Merson and Chris Sutton have predicted whether or not West Ham will return to winning ways against Tottenham Hotspur. David Moyes will welcome the Lilywhites to the London Stadium on Tuesday evening as either side hopes to climb the Premier League table.
The Hammers head into the clash following a disastrous defeat to Newcastle United on Saturday afternoon. West Ham surrendered a 3-1 lead to the Magpies; Alexander Isak pulled one back for Eddie Howe's side from 12 yards before Harvey Barnes netted a late double to wrap up all three points.
Tottenham however won at the weekend, clambering past Luton Town. While the Lilywhite's managed to keep their Champions League qualification hopes alive, Merson has been far from impressed with Ange Postecoglou's side.
In a column for SportsKeeda, the Arsenal legend described Tuesday night as one of the biggest games of West Ham's season. Merson said: "West Ham were 3-1 up against Newcastle, and they took off Michail Antonio. He was their focal point, and they asked Newcastle to have a go.
"The substitution gave Newcastle the license to bomb forward, because they weren't going to get hurt on the counter. Tottenham are becoming a bag of rebels. They were excellent against Villa before they got slaughtered by Fulham, and they stumbled over the line against Luton.
"They could win or lose this game by a 3-0 margin, and you wouldn't flinch either way. They're getting back to the Tottenham of old - their inconsistency could hurt them.
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"Kalvin Phillips could've stayed at Man City, and he would've gone to the Euros. I don't see him at the tournament at all now, with Mainoo coming through as well. He's gone out on loan and he isn't able to get a game - I do feel sorry for him.
"This is one of the biggest games of West Ham's season, and the fans will back them this week. West Ham are playing at home and could pull off a victory this week. West Ham United 2-1 Tottenham Hotspur."
Speaking to BBC Sport, Sutton also predicted a goal-fest in east London. The former Chelsea striker said: "West Ham will still be smarting from the way they lost at Newcastle.
"Hammers boss David Moyes took Michail Antonio off when his team were cruising at 3-1 up with around 20 minutes to go and, without him, they could not get up the pitch. Antonio gave them a great outlet, but Moyes will also be furious at the late goals his side conceded.
"They will be looking to bounce back here, and they will be confident because they have already beaten Tottenham once this season. The expansive way Spurs play suits West Ham because they will be able to hit them on the counter-attack.
"I think Antonio was taken off on Saturday to rest him for this game, and he will play another key role here. There should be a few goals at the other end too, though. Tottenham are just relentless going forward and wear teams down. Even if they go behind, I still fancy them to win this one."
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