The Christmas period is underway and it is a great time for sides to consolidate their position in the league table. These two sides have different ambitions this season, but both will be desperate to improve their points total over the coming weeks. Tottenham needs to bounce back after a disappointing performance against Manchester United, while Hull City will be looking to move out of the relegation zone.
It has been a mixed start to the season for Tottenham as they have looked a shadow of the team that challenged for the title last year. There was a feeling that it was going to be their best opportunity to win the Premier League title, but it wasn’t to be. This season is about establishing themselves as a top four side. However the competition is fiercer this year as Chelsea and Liverpool are both much improved. It is important that Tottenham have a strong Christmas period as they have some winnable matches and need to close the gap on the teams above them.
Although Hull have proven critics wrong in that they aren’t cut adrift at the bottom of the table, they are in the relegation zone and need to find some form from somewhere. They have the worst defence in the league and have won only one of their last ten matches. The Tigers have a tough schedule with matches against Tottenham, West Ham, Manchester City and Everton before the New Year. They will need to conjure a surprising result or two if they are to avoid losing touch with the teams above them.
Recent form
Tottenham have won only two of their last eight Premier League matches and they are now ten points off the top of the division. They have struggled since their excellent victory over Manchester City and their main problem has been in attack. Spurs have the joint best defensive record in the league, but they haven’t been able to kill teams off in attack. This has left the club with six draws, the joint highest in the league and that is something they will need to improve on if they are to finish in the top four.
The visitors have only taken five points from their last ten matches and it is no surprise to see them in the relegation zone. They were always going to find it difficult after a summer of disgruntlement and after a good start, they have continued to fall down the league table. There has been a slight resurgence as all five points have come in the last five matches, but they now face some difficult fixtures. It is likely to get worse before it gets better on Humberside.
Predicted line-ups
I don’t expect any changes to the Tottenham side as they started with their strongest line-up against Manchester United and will want to give them another opportunity to find their form. One player pushing for a start is Moussa Sissoko after an impressive cameo at the weekend.
Hull are unlikely to make any changes either as they were good against Crystal Palace and arguably deserved a victory. They don’t have many options in their squad and are desperate for players to return from injuries.
Tottenham Hull City
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Injuries/suspensions
Vincent Janssen could be back for Tottenham after an ankle injury, but Erik Lamela won’t be back as he continues to struggle with a hip problem.
Hull have more injury problems with five players set to miss Wednesday’s match. These are Alex Bruce, Moses Odubajo, Gregory Luer, Abel Hernandez and Will Keane. Dieumerci Mbokani will be missing through suspension.
Verdict
It is difficult to see anything other than a Tottenham victory in this match. They will be keen to bounce back after their disappointing loss to Manchester United and they have more than enough to overcome struggling Hull. The Tigers are worse on the road and will struggle to prevent Tottenham from finding the back of the net. It could be a similar score-line to Tottenham’s match against Swansea and provide Spurs with the confidence to kick on over the remaining fixtures of 2016.
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