Mark Lawrenson predicts Tottenham v West Ham, discusses Payet’s absence, Kane’s form

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Mark Lawrenson believes Tottenham will beat West Ham United 2-0 at White Hart Lane today.

Pundit Mark Lawrenson has told BBC Sport that he believes Tottenham Hotspur will beat West Ham United 2-0 at White Hart Lane this afternoon.

Spurs have been one of the most impressive teams in the Premier League so far this season, having been defeated just once in the league this term.

With an exciting team full of young English players such as Danny Rose, Eric Dier, Dele Alli and Harry Kane, Spurs have been superb under Mauricio Pochettino, and they will feel unlucky to have only drawn 1-1 at fierce rivals Arsenal before the international break.

Now, Spurs face another London derby today as West Ham travel to White Hart Lane, and they sit level on 21 points with Tottenham, with just one place separating them in the Premier League table.

Slaven Bilic may have guided his side to wins over Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City this season, but the absence of playmaker Dimitri Payet – who is out for at least three months with an ankle injury – could be a huge blow for the Hammers.

Speaking to BBC Sport ahead of this weekend’s games, pundit Mark Lawrenson stated that he felt Tottenham would be just too strong for West Ham, with Harry Kane’s recent goalscoring form a major factor, whilst he also feels West Ham will find life tough without French star Payet.

“West Ham have hit the headlines with some great results this season but Tottenham have been consistently excellent in recent weeks, with their performance in their draw with Arsenal a good example,” said Lawrenson. “Spurs are playing with real confidence and they don’t look like conceding many goals which means they don’t have to play well to win. On top of that, they have got Harry Kane in form up front and scoring too.

“Most of those stand-out Hammers wins have come away from home but I just think Spurs will have too much nous for them. Dimitri Payet’s injury is a big blow for West Ham and they will miss his creativity a lot in the next few months,” he added.

What is your prediction for Tottenham v West Ham?