Michael Owen predicted Tottenham to defeat West Ham in the EFL Cup on Wednesday but shared he was concerned about Spurs playing just two days after facing Manchester City.
The BT Sport pundit revealed that he thought Spurs would be able to get revenge for the Hammers knocking them out of the EFL Cup last season as they have the stronger squad.
Owen admitted that while he was expecting Spurs to continue in the knockout tournament at the Hammers’ expense, he was concerned that the game game so quick after Mauricio Pochettino’s side faced Man City in the league.
“Spurs are back in action just 48 hours after their Wembley clash with Manchester City and I expect Mauricio Pochettino’s side to gain revenge for last season when the Hammers came from two-down to win 3-2 at Wembley at the corresponding stage of the competition,” wrote the pundit for his BetVictor.
“Both managers are likely to make changes, but I feel Spurs have the stronger squad although it is a concern they are playing just two days after their vital Premier League clash with City.”
OPINION
Owen is right to be concerned that Spurs are back in action so quickly after losing 1-0 to Man City on Monday. Pochettino doesn’t have loads of top quality players to call upon and this could see the Hammers able to knock them out. While the Hammers aren’t exactly drowning in options, particularly when it comes to their midfield, but they may have their eye on the EFL Cup this season. Spurs should also have their eye on the EFL Cup after going so long without a piece of silverware but you feel they won’t prioritise the tournament as they will aim their sights higher. Hopefully this ends up being the case as while the Hammers are capable of overcoming a full strength Spurs side, they only lost 1-0 to them in the league recently, it would make their job easier if Pochettino rested a few of his star players. With it being Pellegrini’s first season in charge it would be a very nice way for him to mark his first season in charge by lifting the EFL Cup, but first he has to overcome Spurs to maintain any chance of that happening.
