3. Spurs must push their centre backs forward
The acquisition of Davinson Sanchez has given Tottenham’s centre back trio a much different look. Now, with Sanchez’s pace to protect them, Toby Alderweireld and Jan Vertonghen can feel free to bomb forward to help their squad’s attack.
That freedom is particularly important when team’s park the bus against Spurs. West Ham may not begin the match quite this compact, but they’ll be happy to shut things down and try to earn a point if the match is even in the second half.
The easiest way for Tottenham to unlock the West Ham defense is to find an early goal. Alderweireld and Vertonghen both have the talent to help Spurs find the early advantage.
Their willingness to bravely run forward in such an unconventional manner could take the Hammers’ defense by surprise. If their defenders fall asleep for a moment, they could see a Belgian defender flying by them towards goal. That could prove disastrous for Bilic’s troops.