West Bromwich Albion vs Tottenham Hotspur
Date: 05/05/2018
K/O: 15.00pm
Venue: The Hawthorns
Referee: Mike Jones
With Chelsea and Liverpool facing off on Sunday, there is a great chance points will be dropped, meaning the game against West Brom could be vital to secure Champions League football for Mauricio Pochettino’s Tottenham Hotspur. On the other hand if Albion fail to win, they will be relegated from the Premier League.
Albion come into this game in fine form, surprisingly, despite their position. Recent results against top opposition have kept their Premier League status alive, a win against Manchester United and the draw last time out against Liverpool have kept Albion in the top flight. But this weekend they will have to win. Caretaker boss Darren Moore has inspired the Albion squad recently so much so they are currently unbeaten under their new boss.
Mauricio Pochettino’s side will come into this fixture off the back of an away win against Watford following their FA Cup exit to Manchester united. The semi-final at Wembley, a fortnight ago, was Tottenham’s last chance to salvage silverware this season. In order to secure Champions League football again, Spurs will be seeking chances to gain points on those clubs around them in the table. If Spurs do win this weekend, they will be on 74 points in third place, with fourth placed Liverpool (71pts) playing fifth place Chelsea (66). So a victory against the Baggies almost certainly secures it for Spurs.
TEAM NEWS
Nacer Chadli has a chance of facing his former club but it looks unlikely, Gareth Barry (knee) and James Morrison (calf) are out and likely to miss the remainder of the season.
Daniel Sturridge could feature after being fit for several weeks, but left out the team.
Spurs have several fitness worries. Kieran Trippier struggled with a knock but played 90 minutes against Watford on Monday night and is expected to remain in the starting line-up.
Mousa Dembele and Danny Rose are doubts this weekend, while Harry Winks continues to be sidelined with a long-term issue
Harry Kane however, is fit and will be desperate to add to his goal tally.
What the managers say
West Brom caretaker boss Darren Moore-
“Whatever happens outside, we can’t stop that or determine what goes on. All we’re doing is looking after West Bromwich Albion and showing our commitment to the football club.
“We can’t determine whatever goes on outside, we just focus on our own.”
Tottenham boss Mauricio Pochettino –
“We were disappointed from the semi-final, our fans the same. You could feel their disappointment during the game.
“But the most important thing is to be in a good position with three games ahead. It will be a very successful season if we finish in top four.”
PREDICTION
West Brom Albion 0 Tottenham Hotspur 3
Written by Will Chattell.
