West Ham have a difficult assignment when they take on Tottenham in the North London Derby this weekend. The match is just after the international break and it makes it difficult for both teams to pick up pieces. Both teams have struggled a lot this season and they find themselves just a few points above the relegation zone. Spurs would have been expected to be challenging for the top four places, but they are now just one point ahead of West Ham in a very difficult campaign for Mauricio Pochettino. There have been signs of improvement from Spurs with the team picking up wins over their Champions League opponents Crvena Zvezda. However, they had to hang on for a 1-1 home draw against Sheffield United.

West Ham are not in a better position after having lost 3-0 against Burnley before going into the international break. This was the fourth defeat in five games for the hammers. Manuel Pellegrini’s men have been going through a horror show with only two points picked up from the last six league encounters. The international break has come at a time for both teams. West Ham could be in a higher position if not for the defensive woes, but Spurs are likely to have better confidence coming into this match. Even with players like Ryan Sessegnon and Christian Eriksen providing problems within the squad, there is enough quality within Spurs to pick up a victory. The break would have suited many Spurs players extremely well.

The lack of goals from Harry Kane is turning out into a problem. Spurs forward Kane has not scored for the last three games and this is his worst run of the campaign. Even then, the best bet would be to back Tottenham for a win at 1.90. Pellegrini is certainly heading towards the exit doors at West Ham.