West Ham have struggled for goals without talisman Andy Carroll, but Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas is still expecting an "extremely difficult" London derby on Sunday.
Sam Allardyce's side have been hampered by the absence of their record signing, who has yet to feature since joining from Liverpool permanently in the summer.
It has left the Hammers devoid of attacking options, and they have managed just 14 shots on target in the Barclays Premier League this season. By contrast, Spurs had 29 shots against Cardiff alone.
The east Londoners head to White Hart Lane on Sunday without a win in eight away league games, failing to score in their last four, but Villas-Boas is not taking them lightly.
"They are still a very objective and aggressive team," he said of Carroll's absence.
"They are very direct and we know what to expect against them.
"We will have to be alert at set plays, crosses into the box and make the play very, very strong.
"We were successful against them last season, winning home and away, and we are highly motivated for the game against West Ham.
"A London derby is always difficult, so it will be an extremely difficult match."
Tottenham head into the game boosted by the news that captain Michael Dawson has signed a new three-year deal at White Hart Lane.
Source: PA
