Ben & Rob's preview - Fulham

N17 Live presenter Ben Haines and Club commentator Rob Daly take a quick look back at West Ham before looking ahead to this afternoon's Premier League clash against Fulham at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (3pm).

Join the chaps from the stadium for N17 Live on SPURSPLAY from 1.55pm today, where they'll be joined pitchside by special guests including legendary former skipper and Club Ambassador, Ledley King.

Ben Haines

"I've got to be honest, West Ham was a bit painful! It's not because we drew, a point away at West Ham is by no means a bad result. It's because it feels like it was a huge opportunity to make a statement against a tough London rival, and, when we go ahead against teams, we almost always win... it's a testament to how well we've played this calendar year that you just expect us to go on and not just pick up three points, but go on and score two or three. As expected, the home advantage gave West Ham a bit of a boost, but it would have been a lovely one to get over the line as we go into a very packed fixture schedule with UEFA Champions League football kicking off this week. Looking at Fulham, they've had a really really impressive start. In terms of the style of football they're playing under Marco Silva, it seems like they're much better suited to the Premier League this time around. Lots of the early questions about Aleksandar Mitrovic seem to have been put to bed temporarily, and there's a huge battle to be had with Eric Dier this weekend for him. Fulham have conceded some big goals from set pieces - something we've seen a real upturn in form in, definitely something to watch out for with the way we're performing there. Then, in terms of the other big battles, I'm sure we'll be looking at width, spinning behind and getting Tim Ream and Tosin Adarabioyo facing their own goal. One more thing to think about from a Spurs point of view - Champions League football is right around the corner - we kick-off against Marseille on Wednesday night - and use of the squad is so, so important. I wonder if we'll see a few fresh faces come in for this one to ensure we're sharing game time around ahead of a big week. I don't know about you, but I can't wait to hear that theme song again!"

Rob Daly

"I'll echo Ben's sentiments on West Ham, Antonio Conte pointed to the same kind of thing, and said it would have been a disaster if Spurs had lost that game, and lamented the nature of West Ham's goal. On paper, it's not a bad point, given how good West Ham are and how they've invested in that squad. Overall, 11 points from five games is a good start, especially considering that three have been away. Fulham had a busy transfer deadline day, signing four players. Interestingly, three have scored before at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium - Willian for Chelsea, Dan James for Leeds - and Carlos Vinicius for Spurs! I imagine he'll be back-up to Mitrovic. Marco Silva has spoken a lot about Mitrovic ahead of the game, he's industrious, strong and proving to be a lethal finisher in the Premier League after an incredible season in the Championship. Having spoken about the signings, I'll be surprised if any come into this game. Fulham were pretty good at home to Brighton (won 2-1), a great result considering Brighton's fine start. Bobby Decordova-Reid looks rejuvenated, Neeskens Kebano can pick the right pass, Harrison Reed is industrious in midfield and they've looked strong at the back, Bernt Leno a good bit of business in goal. It will be a tough game and Fulham are a different proposition to when they were last in the Premier League in 2020/21. They had one point from five when they were last in the top flight, they've eight this time, and they only won two at home throughout that season, they've already done that this time around. Antonio has mentioned this is game three in six days, you'd imagine Rodrigo Bentancur will come back in, as he alluded to in his press conference. It's another test for the squad and you wonder who might be next for their first start - Richarlison? Clement Lenglet? We've a brilliant five days on the horizon at home with the chance to make it 14 points out of 18 in the Premier League and the return of the Champions League on Wednesday night.