West Ham can ensure their safety with a win over Tottenham at Upton Park today (Watch live on NBCSN at 7:45 a.m. ET and online via Live Extra).
Sitting five points clear of the drop and with just two games to go, it sure looks as though West Ham are safe. But a little reassurance never hurt anyone – especially not Sam Allardyce, who’s been the target of fan frustration as of late. Even those frustrated with the negative tactics employed by Big Sam should quiet down, however, if the Irons break a four-game losing streak to secure another season of Premier League football.
Spurs fans, too, are a bit frustrated with the man in charge. Despite Tim Sherwood’s claims that he’s the most successful manager Tottenham have seen in the Premier League, the side have missed out on Champions League football once again. But they’re on a four-match unbeaten run and are still set for European football next season – if they want to play in Europa League, that is.
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Those hoping Allardyce might take a different approach after fans called for his sacking are likely to be disappointed by today’s lineup. There’s just one change from last week’s 1-0 defeat to West Brom, with Matty Taylor replacing Matt Jarvis out wide.
Just one change for the visitors as well, with Sherwood clearly operating in an if-it-ain’t-broke-don’t-fix-it mentality after last week’s victory over Stoke City. It’s Gylfi Sigurdsson in for Nacer Chadli in midfield.
LINEUPS
West Ham United: Adrian, Demel, Tomkins, Reid, McCartney; Diame, Noble; Downing, Nolan, Taylor; Carroll
Subs: Jarvis, Armero, Vaz Te, Collins, Jaaskelainen, C Cole, Nocerino
Tottenham Hotspur: Lloris; Naughton, Dawson, Kaboul, Rose; Lennon, Paulinho, Sigurdsson, Eriksen; Adebayor, Kane
Subs: Friedel, Chiriches, Fryers, Bentaleb, Pritchard, Sandro, Soldado
