England striker Jermain Defoe is expected to return for Tottenham as they bid for their seventh win in eight games against West Ham. Harry Redknapp\'s side need the win to maintain their challenge for a Champions League spot but will face a West Ham resurgent after improved performances against Chelsea and Portsmouth in the last week.

Quick Check

Tottenham Hotspurs

  • Leading scorer Jermain Defoe is expected to be recalled to the starting line-up after only being a substitute against Fulham.
  • Tottenham have won six of their last seven meetings with West Ham.
  • Spurs have a 100 per cent record in the Premier League when leading at half-time.
  • Defoe and Aaron Lennon scored when Spurs won 2-1 at West Ham in August.
  • Croatian Luka Modric is competing for his first start in three months.
  • Tottenham\'s shutout at Fulham on Boxing Day was the first time they have recorded successive clean sheets this season.
  • Benoit Assou-Ekotto is set to make his final league appearance before leaving for the African Cup of Nations.
  • Ledley King is still out with a knee injury.
  • Defensive colleague Jonathan Woodgate remains sidelined by a groin problem.
  • Goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini is expected to miss the rest of the campaign after a serious motorbike accident.

West Ham United

  • Alessandro Diamanti has scored three goals in as many games.
  • The Hammers\' victory over Portsmouth on Boxing Day as their first in five matches.
  • Midfielder Valon Behrami could start his first game in five weeks after knee surgery.
  • West Ham have drawn their last three London derbies in the Premier League this season.
  • Defender Daniel Gabbidon is in danger of missing the Christmas period with a hamstring problem.
  • Leading scorer Carlton Cole is out until next year because of a knee injury.
  • Midfielder Kieron Dyer is out until the start of next month with a hamstring injury.
  • Zavon Hines is also out with a knee injury.
  • West Ham last won away from home on the opening day of the season.
  • The Hammers have not beaten Spurs since May 2006. (seven games)
  • Gianfranco Zola’s side kept their first clean sheet in 16 games against Portsmouth.

Expert Advice

Fixtures between these sides are normally entertaining and this is likely to be no exception. Tottenham\'s goal threat will be boosted by the probable return of leading scorer Jermain Defoe\'s and the presence of fit-again Croatian Luka Modric will add some extra inventiveness to an attack already brimming with creativity. Spurs are also showing signs of getting things right at the back, although the loss of Assou-Ekotto after this game for a month will be a blow. West Ham have found their feet in their last two games and having Valon Behrami available again will be a major lift to Gianfranco Zola but whether they can keep out a Tottenham team anxious to impress the home fans is debatable, though, and a home win by one goal at Betsson\'s odds of 3.7 looks a value bet.

Bet it!