Why Tottenham vs West Ham is the Premier League's loser leaves town clash

London derbies rarely need any extra spice added to the mix when teams from the capital go face-to-face, but this weekend's meeting of North vs East could have massive ramifications for any potential losing side. 

Two of the Premier League's most out-of-sorts sides meet on Saturday as Tottenham Hotspur and under-fire boss Thomas Frank host a West Ham team that look doomed in the league's relegation zone. 

A defeat for either one of them may see an unwelcome trip to the boardroom for either Frank or Nuno Espirito Santo, but which boss is most in danger? DAZN News looks at the possible outcomes... 

What could happen if Tottenham lose at home again?

Thomas Frank's appointment at Spurs was supposed to herald in a new era from a new approach for the North London club. 

Tottenham had tried the 'elite manager' route with the likes of Mourinho and Conte without success and while Ange Postecoglou did finally win a trophy for the club last year, it was common knowledge he was never the first choice when he took charge.

However, going with a manager who had earned his shot following sustained success at a 'smaller' Premier League side seemed like the right move for all parties. Yet, it seems the Spursy way can rub off on anyone. 

All is not well at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and the fans have started to turn on the Danish boss. 

Firstly, Frank's style of play hasn't gone down well with a club that prides itself on at the very least showcasing entertaining football. But they've had to watch the managers' more defensive tactics take centre stage.

Frank puts more emphasis on aerials and long passes over high-press and counter-attacks, and it's resulted in more cautious performances and fewer goals. Tottenham rank 11th in goals scored in the current campaign, while only the bottom three are below them when it comes to their XG. 

Some of this could be forgiven if the style was getting results, because it's not. Tottenham are 14th in the table, and have one of the worst home records in the division, with once again, only the bottom three having won fewer points on home turf than Spurs this season. 

Frank has already played the 'call for time' card, protesting that the club needs more than a quick fix. He may be right, but he's unlikely to get the chance to try the long-haul game. 

If Spurs do suffer their sixth home defeat from ten against a West Ham team perceived to be in a worse state than they are, things could get very ugly in North London, and Frank could suffer a much worse backlash than from just drinking from an Arsenal cup. 

What could happen if West Ham get cut further adrift with a defeat? 

On the other side of London, West Ham are doing their level best to make the relegation scrap a foregone conclusion before we've even hit February. 

The season began under the charge of Graham Potter, but the stink from last season seemed to hang over into the current campaign, and it was like he never really got going as Hammers boss. 

After four defeats in their first five, Potter was relieved of his duties and replaced by Nuno Espirito Santo, fresh off a parting with Nottingham Forest and eager to prove his worth at a fourth Premier League post. 

However, since being appointed in September, he's won just two games and the East London side are now on a run of 10 games without a victory. Their latest defeat at the hands of Nuno's old club, Nottingham Forest, has left them seven points from safety and scrambling around the transfer market to find reinforcements who can fire them out of danger. 

They've already become the only side to lose to the bottom-club Wolves this season, and if they aren't careful, both Rob Edwards' men and Burnley - who are just a point behind - could put them deeper in the mire as they start to pick up points. 

Saturday ironically sees Nuno return to another one of his old clubs, where he also endured a torrid time during a short stint in 2021. 

Hammers fans will feel Spurs are there for the taking, given their home record this season and will hope last weekend's narrow FA Cup win over QPR can kickstart a great escape for the club. 

But another defeat? Well, reports were that Nuno was on the brink following the Forest result, so another loss and disappointing display could see West Ham looking for a third manager of the campaign. 

How to watch the Premier League in Canada

Soccer fans in Canada can watch every Premier League match during the 2025-26 season on DAZN.

With Fubo Sports on DAZN, Canadians can catch Premier League action as well as Serie A. Additionally, DAZN is the home of the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League, Bundesliga, and more.

For pricing information and to sign up to watch, click here.