With any new season, the first thing that goes through my mind is what games I might be able to get to. Premier League games have never been as popular and tickets have never been so difficult to obtain. Few fans have the resources or patience to get involved with season tickets and membership schemes. Most fans want to pick one or two games a season and enjoy the big day for what it is, a massive treat. One of my go-to games has to be Spurs v West Ham where it’s not only a London derby, but it’s actually the London derby in my view because games against this rival always have the liveliest of atmospheres.
West Ham and Tottenham very much fall into that ‘Millwall category’ of opponent for this game, in so much neither side likes each other and neither one much cares. That’s not to say these fixtures have any crowd trouble, that’s very much thankfully a thing of the past, it’s more the one that these clashed have significant bragging rights amongst fans, and it’s extremely unusual to experience any quiet games.
Spurs’ stadium has become a subject of discussion amongst fans, with the most common jibe being about the absence of a trophy room, but rest assured in every other department, it eclipses most other football experiences one might come across …in Europe. From food and drink offerings to suit all pockets, to activity and retail options, there’s something for the whole family and all budgets.
West Ham supporters tend to hang their hats on the occasion, and Spurs fans taunt their mockney opponents, suggesting that this fixture is their game is their cup final. That said, the Hammers’ track record is more than respectable.
West Ham and Tottenham have all been handed away ties at the third round stage of the Carabao Cup. The Hammers will face a tough task after being drawn out to face holders Liverpool at Anfield.
Meanwhile, the Lilywhites will head to Championship outfit Coventry City. The Carabao Cup third-round ties will take place the week weeks commencing September 16 and 23.
Some additional spice will be added, by the rumour that was doing the rounds this summer that
The Hammers were interested in signing Dominic Solanke and building a new-look team around him the Englishman, but in May the news broke that Spurs had hijacked West Ham’s ambushed the move for Solanke. It was said that West Ham were willing to double Solanke’s wages, but the all-superior offer from Spurs won out the day.
