Chris Sutton doubles down on what he said about West Ham fans amid fresh Tottenham prediction

West Ham’s visit to Tottenham carries huge significance for a number of reasons.

Above all, attention is firmly fixed on the Hammers’ worrying position in the Premier League standings.

Even so, any meeting between these two sides is always charged with extra intensity given their fierce rivalry.

Add to that the pressure facing both managers, along with Nuno Espirito Santo’s history with Spurs, and the clash becomes even more compelling.

It is a fixture rich in storylines, and Chris Sutton believes it is West Ham who will come out on the wrong side of the result.

Sutton backs Tottenham to edge West Ham

Sutton has already sparked debate with recent comments about West Ham supporters.

While predicting an FA Cup win over QPR, he suggested the Hammers lacked a true home advantage due to fan dissatisfaction with life at the London Stadium.

Revisiting those remarks, Sutton again highlighted the stadium atmosphere when tipping West Ham to lose this weekend, despite the match taking place in north London.

Writing in his BBC Sport column, the former England striker said:
“Tottenham’s home form has been dreadful, with just two wins from their last 10 league games, and there is a lot of frustration among their supporters right now.

“In a similar way, West Ham’s players might actually be better off playing away from home because of the tension inside their own stadium. That said, their away form is just as poor, with only one win in 10.

“This feels like one of those games where both teams have been so bad recently that either could lose. It’s difficult to strongly back either side.

“I’m going with Spurs, though, because new signing Conor Gallagher brings energy, drive and urgency to their midfield.

“Even so, it’s easier to predict a dull match, with Tottenham likely booed off after a very average display, leaving Thomas Frank under pressure despite a win. As for Nuno Espirito Santo, defeat would put him in even greater danger of losing his job.

“Sutton’s prediction: 1-0.”

Nuno reflects on Spurs as strange trend continues

Saturday’s showdown will mark the third Premier League match in a row in which Nuno has faced one of his former clubs.

Unfortunately for West Ham, the previous two ended in defeat, with losses to Wolves and Nottingham Forest earlier this month. The hope now is that it will be third time lucky.

Speaking ahead of his return to Tottenham, Nuno said:
“They are a good team with talented players, and it’s always a difficult place to go. It’s also a rivalry, a London derby.

“The fans expect us to compete and put up a strong performance, then we’ll see what happens.”

While Nuno still retains the backing of some West Ham supporters, the reaction from the fanbase will be closely watched should his side suffer another defeat on Saturday.