West Ham have the opportunity to derail Tottenham’s title ambitions for the third successive season.

Such talk might seem a little premature in September, but several disappointing results means Mauricio Pochettino’s side are already five points off the pace.

Recent history is not on their side in this fixture, either.

In March 2016, West Ham produced a brilliant performance at the Boleyn Ground to clinch a 1-0 victory and prevent the visitors from leapfrogging Leicester City at the top of the table.

Just over 12 months later, with Spurs chasing Chelsea, the Hammers achieved an identical result, this time at the London Stadium.

Both of those victories were built on solid five-man defences, a system that Slaven Bilic has returned with great success in recent weeks, having achieved consecutive clean sheets against Huddersfield and West Brom respectively.

That system is also one that Spurs still struggle to break down.

Against Swansea last weekend, Pochettino’s side enjoyed 75 per cent possession – their highest in a Premier League match since Opta began recording this data in 2003-04.

That possession was rarely converted into clear-cut chances, however, due to the Swans’ stifling the central areas that Harry Kane, Dele Alli and Christian Eriksen typically thrive in, which resulted in just eight of their 26 shots hitting the target.

At the other end of the pitch, Spurs’ defence remains one of the strongest in the division, with the speed of Davinson Sanchez boosting their high defensive line.

Sanchez, however, has never faced a striker with the power and aerial prowess of Andy Carroll, who is nearing full fitness.

Saturday's game is a massive test for the 21-year-old Colombian.

Recommended bets

West Ham to keep a clean sheet - 

West Ham to win 1-0 - 

Andy Carroll to score -