Tottenham Hotspur Match Preview

After progressing to the Fourth-Round of the Emirates FA Cup where they will face a trip to Sky Bet League One club Burton Albion on 14 February, West Ham United will hope to build on the momentum gained from the extra-time win over Sky Bet Championship outfit Queens Park Rangers and claim their first top-flight success of 2026 when they travel to The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium this afternoon.

Nuno Espírito Santo hasn’t had the best of times when facing former clubs recently after defeats to both Wolverhampton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest but last weekend’s triumph over the West London outfit may finally give the Hammers the morale boost they need to go and get their first three points since November 8 and give the Head-Coach his first victory on the road since succeeding Graham Potter.

Brentford are the only club to join newly-promoted Burnley in tasting defeat here, meaning the Irons will be desperate to inflict yet another home loss on their fierce rivals, while also giving their own survival hopes a major lift.

Unlike West Ham, Thomas Frank’s side have already exited the FA Cup after fellow Premier League side Aston Villa came here a week ago and left having piled more misery on their hosts by winning 2-1 so they will be looking to bounce back.

That cup reverse to the Villans wasn’t the only disappointment that they have suffered in the last week, as the Dane also saw his side throw an advantage away to lose late on at AFC Bournemouth in their last league outing ten days ago.

When Rui Barbosa joined Espírito Santo’s coaching staff at the end of October, it seemed to inspire the East Londoners to a home win over Newcastle United. Well, another new face is now on board, as it was confirmed on Thursday morning that Paco Jémez has been added to the setup and will work alongside Mark Robson, Steve Potts and Gerard Prenderville as one of four outfield first-team coaches. With that in mind, will the same happen here?

Soungoutou Magassa and Freddie Potts could regain their places in midfield, while Mateus Fernandes missed the cup tie due to injury and may be in line to return.

Despite Konstantinos Mavropanos having to leave the pitch injured six days ago, the former Spurs chief stated in his pre-match news conference on Thursday that the defender has made a quicker than expected recovery and may keep his place ahead of this London derby.

Pablo Felipe could finally be handed his full debut for the club and may even join Valentín Castellanos in the striker’s role.

Alphonse Areola was rested against Julien Stéphan’s side but is set to resume his goalkeeping duties ahead of Mads Hermansen.

One player that will not be involved here is youngster Kaelan Casey as the defender’s stint at Sky Bet Championship side Swansea City has been cut short with the hierarchy in Stratford allowing him to return to East London and sign a new temporary loan deal at Sky Bet League One club Leyton Orient.

The match is a 3pm kick-off and the referee is Jarred Gillett.