West Ham's last six:-
A. Villa 2 1 West Ham
West Ham 1 0 Everton
West Ham 3 5 Man Utd
West Ham 3 1 Ipswich
Fulham 0 1 West Ham
West Ham 2 0 Charlton
Spurs' last six:-
Chelsea 4 0 Spurs
Spurs 0 1 Charlton
Fulham 0 2 Spurs
M'brough 1 1 Spurs
Spurs 2 1 Leeds
Arsenal 2 1 Spurs
Pos P W D L F-A GD Pts
7 West Ham 33 13 7 13 41 50 -9 46
8 Spurs 34 13 6 15 45 49 -4 45
West Ham went above us in the table for the first time this season, with their win against Charlton, whilst we were losing at Highbury. The Hammers still have to play at Highbury in a game which was re-arranged due to the replayed quarter-final. Therefore there is plenty riding on this game. For the Hammers this is their local derby, whereas we don't see it in that light. Whoever wins will have seventh place, and there are those around who still think there just COULD be a UEFA place available. It is a real long shot, but depends on the Fair Play League, Chelsea winning the FA Cup, and not qualifying for the Champions league, Man Utd winning the Champions League, and who knows what else. Quite honestly, I prefer to just think of playing for pride. We have two great home games to come with Liverpool to follow on 27th April, and whilst the Bolton away game might be a bit stale if they have got enough points by then, it will be great to go to Filbert Street and wave Bye Bye to Robbie Savage & Co. on the last day of the season.
The Hammers had a woeful start to the season, and were bottom of the table in late September, until they beat Newcastle 3-0, but then lost 5-0 at Goodison Park. Their woeful goal difference can be accounted for in this game together with their 7-1 defeat at Blackburn. The Irons have won just three of their away games at Fulham, Ipswich, and amazingly at Old Trafford where they won in successive years, having beaten the Champions the previous year in the FA Cup. Like us, they lost 5-3 at home to Man Utd.
This week, star player and enigma, Paulo Di Canio will be missing, whilst Spurs will be without Les Ferdinand, along with other long term casualties. I expect a humdinger of a game, with plenty of skill from Joe Cole (but little end product) and a determined performance from Spurs. This, after all, is our best chance of a home win in our remaining two games at The Lane, and it is coming up to season ticket renewal time!
My prediction? 2-1 to Spurs. See you there - if not - see the exclusive report here late on Saturday!
· Brian Judson writes
