Tottenham vs West Brom: Premier League match preview

A look ahead to this weekend’s Premier League fixture at White Hart Lane

The Spurs head coach, Mauricio Pochettino, is ready to treat the Europa League seriously (EPA)

Mauricio Pochettino has had an indifferent start to life at Spurs, with a 3-0 home defeat to Liverpool a particular lowlight.

Tottenham’s major failing last season was an inability to compete with the biggest teams, and the new Spurs manager will be desperate to avoid similar problems this campaign.

Two players who failed to impress last season at Spurs were Nacer Chadli, who has come to life this season with three goals already, and Erik Lamela, the club’s record signing. Lamela also appears reborn, completing the most dribbles in the Premier League other than Eden Hazard.

West Brom sit second bottom in the table, having collected just two points so far. Of their 11 summer signings, just four started the last game – a defeat to Everton.

Manager Alan Irvine concedes that his new players are taking a while to settle in, with record signing Brown Ideye yet to score for the Baggies.

KICK OFF: Sunday, 1.30pm.

PAST THREE MEETINGS:

West Brom 3 (Vydra, Brunt, Sessegnon) Spurs 3 (Olsson O.G, Kane, Eriksen), Premier League, April 2014

Spurs 1 (Eriksen) West Brom 1 (Olsson), Premier League, December 2013

West Brom 0 Spurs 1 (Bale), Premier League, February 2013

STATS…

Christian Eriksen has scored three goals in his last two games against the Baggies.

West Brom haven’t won at Spurs since 1984.

Tottenham have won the least aerial duels per game in the Premier League this season.

Youssef Mulumbu has made the second highest number of interceptions in the Premier League this season.

ODDS…

Spurs to win: 1.50

West Brom to win: 6.50

Draw: 4.20

TV: Highlights on BBC1 at 10.30pm.