Can Tottenham Hotspur turn their season around against West Ham? With just two wins in their last 12 Premier League matches, Spurs are desperate for a victory, and today’s clash with the relegation-battling Hammers could be their chance. But here’s where it gets tricky: injuries have plagued the squad, forcing head coach Thomas Frank to reshuffle his lineup yet again. And this is the part most people miss: the return of key players like Dominic Solanke and Destiny Udogie could be a game-changer—or could it? Let’s dive in.
Spurs’ recent form has been underwhelming, to say the least, but the swift signing of Gallagher amid mounting injury concerns shows the club’s urgency to stabilize their midfield. Gallagher is expected to slot in for the injured Bentancur, adding much-needed energy to the center of the pitch. Meanwhile, Frank will be relieved to welcome back Solanke, who’s been sidelined since August with a persistent ankle issue, and Udogie, who’s finally recovered from a hamstring injury sustained in December. Both players made their return to the bench during Spurs’ recent FA Cup exit, but will they be match-fit enough to make an impact today?
Controversial take alert: While Udogie’s return is a boost, his competition with 19-year-old Brazilian left-back Souza could spark debates about who deserves the starting spot. Spurs are reportedly close to sealing a £13m deal for Souza from Santos, adding another layer of intrigue to the left-back position. Additionally, Cristian Romero’s return from suspension strengthens the defense, but questions remain about the team’s overall cohesion.
Yves Bissouma is also back in contention after Mali’s early exit from the Africa Cup of Nations. However, the 29-year-old has yet to feature under Frank due to a combination of injury and disciplinary issues. His availability could be a wildcard, but will Frank risk throwing him into the mix? Meanwhile, Pape Matar Sarr remains unavailable as he continues to represent Senegal at AFCON.
Predicted Tottenham lineup (4-2-3-1): Vicario in goal; Porro, Romero, Van de Ven, and Spence in defense; Palhinha and Gallagher anchoring midfield; Odobert, Simons, and Tel in attack; with Kolo Muani leading the line. Notable absentees include Maddison, Kulusevski, Bentancur, Kudus, and Richarlison, all sidelined with injuries. Bergvall remains a doubt, and Sarr is still away on international duty.
Kickoff is set for 3pm GMT on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Will Spurs finally find their footing, or will West Ham capitalize on their hosts’ vulnerabilities? And what do you think—is Frank making the right calls with his lineup choices? Let us know in the comments below!
