Hello and welcome to
Sports Mole's live coverage of the match in the Premier League between
Tottenham Hotspur and
West Ham United. The Hammers have already defeated their London rivals in the EFL Cup this season but can they record a second successive win at Wembley Stadium? Let's see who
Mauricio Pochettino and
David Moyes have selected in their respective starting lineups...
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR XI: Lloris; Aurier, Sanchez, Vertonghen, Davies; Dier, Sissoko, Eriksen, Alli, Son; Kane
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR SUBSTITUTES: Vorm, Trippier, Wanyama, Dembele, Winks, Lamela, Llorente
WEST HAM UNITED XI: Adrian; Reid, Rice, Ogbonna; Zabaleta, Kouyate, Noble, Obiang, Masuaku; Lanzini; Hernandez
WEST HAM UNITED SUBSTITUTES: Hart, Makasi, Haksabanovic, Quina, Ayew, Carroll, Martinez
Let's start with the home side as Pochettino hands an immediate recall to
Harry Kane. The club's leading marksman has been ill over the Christmas period and only made the bench against Swansea City on Tuesday night, but he starts in place of Fernando Llorente this evening.
Serge Aurier and Moussa Sissoko have also been drafted into the starting lineup with Kieran Trippier and Erik Lamela taking a spot on the bench. While Lamela continues to prove his fitness after a year out, the Argentine was always going to feature among the replacements this evening.
Another player who has spent a lengthy period on the sidelines is Victor Wanyama, but the Kenyan made a successful return against the Swans from the bench. He had been fancied to feature in Pochettino's starting lineup this evening but he, too, must wait for an opportunity as a substitute.
Pochettino has also decided to stick with his creative trio of Christian Eriksen,
Dele Alli and
Son Heung-min. All three put in a strong shift at the Liberty Stadium but they will presumably get their rest on Sunday when Spurs face AFC Wimbledon in the FA Cup.
Let's take a look at West Ham now and as expected,
Andy Carroll drops out of the team despite his two-goal salvo against West Bromwich Albion on Tuesday night. The forward has not always featured under Moyes so it's no surprise that he has to make do with a place on the bench.
Javier Hernandez comes into the team.
Moyes has also made a change in defence, with Declan Rice being brought into the side to replace Aaron Cresswell, who misses out through injury. It's a big show of faith in the youngster.
The third alteration comes in midfield where Mark Noble is brought into the side to replace
Marko Arnautovic, who experienced a tight hamstring in training. That's a big blow to the Hammers because the Austrian attacker has been in sensational form.
West Ham's injury problems mean that it is an extremely inexperienced bench. Toni Martinez could get a chance to impress for the first time, as could midfielder Moses Makasi if he is brought on in the second half.
We will start our buildup by taking a look at Spurs. Earlier in the campaign, much was made of the North London outfit failing to put together a string of wins at Wembley, but they have recorded 19 points from a possible 21. The only dropped points during that period came against struggling West Bromwich Albion.
However, it's a different story when it comes to London derbies. Spurs have lost three of their last five all-capital contests, with defeats coming against Chelsea, Arsenal and West Ham.
In total, Spurs have lost just one of their last 29 home fixtures in the league. Spurs put together a 19-match unbeaten run at White Hart Lane and are currently nine without defeat at Wembley. The only setback came due to Marcos Alonso's late winner for Chelsea at the start of the season.
Kane may have failed to score against Swansea on Tuesday night but after overcoming flu, he still made an impact. His pass to Alli may not go down as an assist, but the England international made the difference after being introduced as a second-half substitute. Expect him to be firing on all cylinders tonight as he looks for the double which will take him to 20 for the season.
Turning our attentions to Alli and the playmaker has really turned his form around in recent matches. In the space of three games over a week and a half, he contributed two goals and three assists, as well as winning a penalty at Burnley. He stills needs to show that kind of form over a longer period, however.
One player who can count himself lucky to be featuring this evening is
Davinson Sanchez, who arguably should have received a second yellow card against Swansea.
Click here to read what former Premier League official Dermot Gallagher had to say on the incident.
When you take a look at the
Premier League form table, you will see that Spurs are in second place to Manchester City. That's not a bad position to be, is it? Their only dropped points came against the league leaders, too. As for West Ham, they are in sixth spot. Better than you thought, huh?
Many doubted that Moyes would be able to have an impact at West Ham but while they are far from the finished article, the Hammers have improved since the arrival of the Scot. After recording nine points from 11 games under Slaven Bilic, West Ham have 12 points from 10 matches under Moyes.
Moyes also has history in his favour with West Ham having never lost a competitive London derby at Wembley. After FA Cup finals win over Fulham and Arsenal in 1975 and 1980 respectively, the third win came over Spurs in the EFL Cup earlier this season. We will get onto that a bit later.
It comes as little surprise that Carroll does not feature in the starting lineup this evening, but he has at least ended a goal drought which had lasted since April. Tuesday's game was also only the second time where he had completed 90 minutes since October 25. No wonder he was shattered! I imagine he will only be used if absolutely necessary tonight.
One interesting line that has emerged tonight is that Carroll may be attracting interest from Chelsea. Who can blame them after Alvaro Morata's performance in front of goal last night.
Click here to read the full story.
One player who has had to remain patient under Moyes is Hernandez, who has not started a Premier League game since November 4- Slaven Bilic's last match. The Mexican is without a goal in any competition since the end of October. He gets his chance to stake a claim for a regular position this evening.
We touched upon Moyes's show of faith in 18-year-old Rice earlier, and the teenager will be making just fourth start since October. Who did those three other starts come against? Spurs and Arsenal at Wembley and the Emirates Stadium in the EFL Cup, and Manchester City away in the Premier League. Don't expect the youngster to be overawed by another outing at the national stadium.
PREDICTION! Given the quick turnaround, this is a difficult match to predict but we have to go with Spurs. Moyes will likely show more ambition than he did against other high-profile clubs and that should free up gaps for the home side. Spurs to win 3-1.
HEAD TO HEAD! Thursday's meeting will represent the 209th competitive match between the two sides, with Spurs claiming 94 wins in comparison to 63 victories for West Ham.
Despite Spurs dominating from an historical perspective, that has not been the case in recent years with neither side putting together back-to-back wins over the last nine contests. There have been four victories apiece as well as a 2-2 draw at White Hart Lane in February 2015.
As we mentioned earlier in this buildup, the last match between the clubs came in the EFL Cup and it was a thriller. West Ham overturned a two-goal deficit to run out 3-2 winners at the national stadium.
Click here to read back on that game.
It's time for the two teams to make their way out at Wembley. We are not at full capacity but there is certainly more at this match than there was at the Southampton fixture on Boxing Day.
A reminder of the two starting lineups...
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR XI: Lloris; Aurier, Sanchez, Vertonghen, Davies; Dier, Sissoko, Eriksen, Alli, Son; Kane
WEST HAM UNITED XI: Adrian; Reid, Rice, Ogbonna; Zabaleta, Kouyate, Noble, Obiang, Masuaku; Lanzini; Hernandez
KICKOFF! Spurs get us underway.
It's been a composed start from West Ham but once Spurs pressed, the long ball went towards Hernandez. That's not going to work. Good opening two minutes, however.
Spurs almost open the scoring when Son's cross is deflected into the path of Kane, but Rice is there to clear from in front of goal when the Spurs forward flicked the ball towards a teammate.
CHANCE! Rice is there again, but I'm not sure that he knew much about it. The ball fell invitingly for Sanchez and his shot is heading towards the top corner before Rice gets his body in the way.
I mentioned that West Ham had made a bright start but they are getting completely overwhelmed now. They are defending on the edge of their own 18-yard box and Hernandez is failing to get on the ball on the halfway line.
The Hammers win a free kick after Son fouls Zabaleta and Lanzini's cross into the area is aimed towards Ogbonna. However, the ball goes over the defender's head and Spurs are able to see off the danger.
Spurs appear to be targeting the area in and around Zabaleta at right wing-back. The veteran defender is playing his second game in the space of 48 hours and the home side appear to be trying to exploit any tired legs.
It hasn't been a quiet start, but Spurs would have hoped to have tested Adrian by now. The Spanish stopper's only work came when attempting to deal with a cross and he dropped it.
Better from Spurs who think they are about to take the lead when the ball arrives at the feet of Kane around eight yards from goal. However, West Ham make two blocks in quick succession - the second from Eriksen - and the ball is cleared.
Spurs have the ball in the net after Kane's effort is diverted past Adrian by Reid, but the flag was correctly up for offside.
The home team have reverted to playing the possession game from a much deeper position and that suits West Ham, who are prepared to let their hosts have the ball. There is plenty of energy-saving going on out there.
More of the same from Spurs who are really not being given much room for manoeuvre in the final third. It's job done as far as West Ham are concerned.
This performance from West Ham has led to little atmosphere inside Wembley. They will take that as a compliment. Hernandez still remains with very few touches on the ball, though. It's going to be a long evening for the Mexican.
Alli finds some space down the left-hand side of the penalty area but the midfielder's low cross is well intercepted by Ogbonna, who has been excellent during these opening 24 minutes.
When Spurs have the ball, there's now a bank of nine players in a line of five and a line of four. West Ham are very well organised but it's a strategy which needs to work for 90 minutes. It's going to be a tough ask.
SHOT! Kane is finally able to get a decent shot away from distance, but his curling effort is parried away from goal by Adrian. It's a comfortable save.
SHOT! Spurs are starting to have some joy now. Son finds a way to direct an effort towards the bottom corner from around 12 yards out but again, Adrian makes a comfortable intervention down to his left.
We are through half-an-hour and Moyes will deem this as an excellent showing from his side. There are also signs that Moyes is instructing his team to play a little more expansive. This is warming up nicely.
This was half an opening for West Ham. The ball broke kindly for Hernandez on the halfway line and the pass is on for the advancing Obiang. However, a defender gets a foot in the way to prevent the midfielder from being one-on-one with Lloris.
Spurs are still on top but every Spurs mistake is being met by groans from the home supporters. They know that with every minute that ticks by, West Ham will fancy this more and more.
You feel as though the Spurs bench is going to come into the equation at some stage. Pochettino will know that his side probably needs freshening up. West Ham may struggle on that front, hence why they have saved as much energy as they have done.
Son has just gotten the better of Zabaleta on the left flank and the South Korean has an opportunity to cross. However, a defender gets in the way and the Hammers retrieve possession.
West Ham are just trying to see this out until the break now. Hernandez is 10 yards inside his own half!
To add to that, Spurs's furthest man back is Vertonghen and he is five yards inside the West Ham half. A sustained spell of possession from the home side ends with a free kick being conceded.
SAVE! This is the closest that Spurs have come. Eriksen links up with Alli on the edge of the box before seeing his 25-yard strike - which was deflected - tipped over the crossbar.
HALF TIME: Tottenham Hotspur 0-0 West Ham United
Such has been the lack of action that Mike Dean decides on no added-on time. I think he is bored as well! It hasn't been that bad, but West Ham are yet to have a shot, which tells you everything that you need to know about their approach to this game. Let's hope for better after the restart...
Spurs have completely dictated the tempo of this game and created a number of opportunities but none have come particularly close to beating Adrian. Sanchez could have netted during the opening stages, but Rice made an excellent block inside the six-yard area.
As we have just mentioned, West Ham have not created a single chance and they have barely attempted to either. You can't blame Moyes too much - his injury-hit team only played 48 hours ago and they are facing one of the best attacks in the Premier League - but it's unlikely that this strategy will pay off for the remainder of the match.
Substitutions will inevitably be made throughout the second half but who will act first? You would imagine Spurs, but Ayew could be an option for West Ham if they reach the hour mark with the game still goalless. Hernandez has done a lot of running, but not much else.
It's time for the two teams to start making their way back out at Wembley. The last two matches between these sides have ended 3-2, so don't lose hope of goals just yet.
KICKOFF! West Ham get us back underway.
Kouyate has started this second half on the right flank. A change in setup by Moyes in an attempt to get Lanzini into the game.
Not much has happened since the restart. Son has sent a cross straight out of play and that's about it!
There has been a change in tactics from Spurs as well. They are now using a back three with Son featuring at left wing-back. Pochettino is confident that little is going to come back from the visitors.
SHOT! Is this the first sign of desperation from Spurs? Kane has just tried a shot from at least 35 yards and sent it well over the crossbar.
That said, maybe we should be grateful for Kane taking on shots from that distance? Very little has happened since the restart. West Ham have picked up where they left off in the first half.
For a second, there was a bit of excitement when West Ham had the ball in the final third but it was soon cleared.
Much better from Spurs as Alli gets close to the byline before cutting the ball back for Son. The attacker attempts to find the bottom corner but Ogbonna is there again to make the block.
Alli has been given licence to basically play alongside Kane in attack. Pochettino is at least making an attempt to force West Ham's hand. Nothing is sticking though. An hour gone. West Ham are delighted with this.
CHANCE! Spurs are starting to build some momentum. Another block only leads to Davies crossing for Alli, who powers a header just wide of the post.
I'm surprised that we haven't seen any substitutions, especially from Spurs. Lamela and Llorente are the obvious introductions, but Winks could have an impact on this game.
SUBSTITUTION! Oh, here comes one, and it's for West Ham. As I suggested earlier, Ayew takes the place of Hernandez.
SHOT! Eriksen takes it upon himself to get a shot away from 25 yards but it lacks pace and Adrian makes an easy save.
Kane sees a shot blocked after taking too much time to get a shot away but when Alli gets a header on goal, he is taken out by Adrian. It's an absolute stone-waller. West Ham survive.
GOAL! Tottenham Hotspur 0-1 West Ham United (Pedro Obiang)
This is incredible. Not only have West Ham scored with their first shot, Obiang has scored one of the greatest goals witnessed at the new Wembley. With nothing else on, the midfielder let fly from 30 yards and found the top corner via the inside the post. It's a belter.
Spurs are throwing players forward in search of an equaliser and Adrian has been required to make two smart stops from Kane. Here come the changes...
SUBSTITUTIONS! Pochettino decides to withdraw Dier and Sissoko, with Wanyama and Lamela coming on in their place.
SHOT! Eriksen is the next player to get a shot on goal but again, Adrian doesn't have to do much to make the save.
CHANCE! West Ham nearly make it two! Obiang's inswinging cross finds the head of Kouyate at the back post but he completely mis-times his attempt.
This has been a sensational effort from West Ham. As it stands, they are moving into 11th place in the table, which seems unthinkable given their season. Still a long way to go though.
Not in the eyes of Spurs, however. Pochettino will not know how his side are behind in this game and his players need to do something to close the gap on Liverpool.
SUBSTITUTION! A third Spurs alteration sees Llorente replace Davies.
GOAL! Tottenham Hotspur 1-1 West Ham United (Son Heung-min)
Outrageous! Spurs are level and it's a goal which is almost as good as Obiang's strike. Lanzini lost the ball on the halfway line and Son was given too much time to get a shot away from 30 yards. However, it's a stunning effort which finds the top corner of Adrian's net.
CHANCE! West Ham almost retake the lead! Ayew dances past Sanchez inside the penalty area and sees a shot blocked by Lloris.
Two minutes plus added-on time to go. I wouldn't be at all surprised to see another goal in this game. We have been rewarded for our patience with two goals of the season.
BOOKING! The first booking of the game goes to Noble for a late challenge on Llorente.
There will be four minutes of added-on time.
Just the one minute to go. West Ham are happy with a point. Spurs are not. One more attack...
FULL TIME: Tottenham Hotspur 1-1 West Ham United
The full-time whistle goes at Wembley and we have finished locked at 1-1. Spurs deserved to win this game, but Obiang did not deserve to be on the losing side after that outrageous opening goal. Son's equaliser was just as good, but West Ham will be delighted with a point away at one of their fierce rivals.
That will be all from
Sports Mole for this game. Thank you for joining us this evening and we hope to see you again soon.
If you would like to read our on-the-whistle match report, you can do so by clicking here. Goodbye for now.