Everything on the line as Tottenham prepare for colossal London derby

It’s no exaggeration to say everything is riding on Sunday’s London derby between Tottenham and West Ham.

Spurs’ fate will be decided when Antonio Conte’s side face one of their most bitter rivals. West Ham has 48 points, level with Spurs in joint-sixth place. If Tottenham need any added motivation, they certainly have it.

While pride is always on the line in London derbies, this particular clash bears immeasurably more significance. One of these teams will walk away from Sunday’s match wondering what could have been. It better not be Spurs, who are coming off a convincing 2-0 victory in Brighton on Wednesday.

The Hammers are coming off a win over Aston Villa and, like Spurs, are still in with an outside shot of snatching a coveted Champions League spot. Neither side can falter if they are to do the improbable.

Tottenham’s season has had more up and downs than a pogo stick performer. But we’ve become accustomed to that, so another anxiety-riddled contest won’t shorten Spurs’ supporters lifespans any more than they’ve already been trimmed.

Conte’s antics on the sideline will do nothing to calm the tension. In fact his impassioned gesticulation will only add to the intensity. Tottenham supporters wouldn’t have it any other way and are once again anticipant of the colossal forthcoming contest.

We simply hope Spurs don’t lay an egg, as that would be an impossible pill to swallow. Unfortunately there is a distinct possibility of that exact scenario eventuating. While supporters involuntarily have that worst-case scenario on their minds, hope and optimism fights for real estate.

The looming question is which version of Tottenham Hotspur will show up for the most important clash of the season. For everyone’s sake on the good side of north London, let’s hope dearly it’s the side that beat Manchester City just a few weeks ago on their own patch.