Allardyce challenges Kane ahead of West Ham’s clash with Spurs

West Ham will be boosted by the return of trio Winston Reid, Matt Jarvis and James Collins for their visit to rivals Tottenham, after they recovered from injury, however striker Andy Carroll remains sidelined. The Hammers are 7/2 for victory at White Hart Lane, and after an impressive run of form up to Christmas, they seem to be running out of steam.

Mauricio Pochettino, meanwhile, will recall Harry Kane to the starting lineup after rotating his squad for the Europa League match draw with Fiorentina and the 21-year-old is 7/2 to score first, while Coral are also offering odds of 9/4 on a Tottenham win, with Kane netting.

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce, has challenged the youngster in recent days to prove that he isn’t a one season wonder, a statement which may come back to haunt him when the two sides meet.

“He’s been a surprise this season. I don’t think anybody expected he would be so brilliant,” Allardyce said.

“Yet the key is to play consistently well at this level. As everybody would say, the test of time would be having a great season when everybody knows who you are and how you play.

“Can you maintain that level? That would be the same question for Harry Kane as it would be for my new strikers Diafra Sakho and Enner Valencia, too.”

“Of course, Kane is the reason Tottenham have started to climb the league and do well in all competitions.

“His goal threat is greater than any other front-man that Tottenham have on the books at the moment. He has been the difference between Tottenham drawing or winning.

“Supply is one way of stopping him – as well as making sure the defenders are aware of his capabilities.”

For the Hammers, the aforementioned Valencia and Sakho could be the key goal threats with the players 11/4 and 9/4 respectively in the anytime market.