Now that West Ham is playing a derby without two of its best players, Spurs will be salivating

Spurs will be licking their lips despite losing the rematch since West Ham will now play the derby without two of its best players.

Aside from facing fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham should be excited to play their newfound aggressive form.

Tuesday night in the Premier League, Spurs go to the London Stadium in an attempt to secure a Champions League spot.

The Hammers also want to make it to Europe for a record-tying fourth season.

When Ange Postecoglou‘s fiercely attacking Tottenham team takes against David Moyes‘ counterattacking team, there will be a lot on the line.

Form of Holy Trinity gives Hammers hope.

Fans and the management should be confident given West Ham‘s Holy Trinity of Lucas Paqueta, Jarrod Bowen, and Mohammed Kudus‘ current form.

Spurs, on the other hand, will be licking their lips because West Ham will be missing two key players in the derby.

Tottenham fans, who are clearly focused on their own team, may be unaware of how important Edson Alvarez is to this Hammers squad.

The Mexican midfielder has been an excellent signing and replacement for Declan Rice.

He helps West Ham manage the midfield battle and provides essential cover to a back four that has a tendency to concede goals without him.

The most recent example being Newcastle’s four goals surrendered without Alvarez.

He also brings West Ham‘s play together more cohesively, providing reassurance and control in the middle of the park.

Spurs will be confident with important West Ham duo ruled out. El Machin is suspended for the Tottenham encounter, the final of his two-match Premier League sentence for receiving 10 yellow cards.

 

Behind Alvarez and the strikers, Alphonse Areola has been one of West Ham‘s standout performers this season.

Players must fill Alvarez’s void.

However, the 6ft 5in Frenchman, like Alvarez, will be sidelined for Tottenham owing to an injury sustained at Newcastle.

While Lukasz Fabianski is a capable and veteran constable, Areola is significantly more mobile, faster off the line, and has superior kicking ability than the dependable but ageing Pole.

Spurs fans may be focusing on Paqueta, Bowen, and Kudus for the big match.

However, they should understand that the absence of Alvarez and Areola is a significant setback for the hosts.

Moyes will have to hope that other players step up in their absence. However, history this season shows that when Alvarez does not play, West Ham rarely wins.