4. Isolate Mark Noble
In some ways I hate to isolate Mark Noble for criticism. Two years ago he was one of the most underrated midfielders in England. Unfortunately, at 30 years of page it’s highly likely that his best football is firmly behind him.
He’s going to need to play above his head in this match to deal with the likes of Christian Eriksen and Dele Alli. Noble’s Whoscored.com player rating average of 6.54 this season makes it clear he hasn’t been playing at that level.
Specifically, his lack of pace makes him ill-suited to thwart the Tottenham attack. If Pochettino’s troops can force him into a foot race with any of their attackers it should lead to great success for the Spurs attack.
West Ham will try to pack in their defense to protect Noble, but it’s difficult to stay completely compact in an emotional London derby. In the end, Noble’s desire to get forward and provide his club a spark may be the Hammers’ undoing.