Prediction: Arsenal vs West Ham

Prediction: Arsenal win

Best Odds: 8/15

Bookmaker: bet365

While European football and the FA Cup have come into the limelight in recent weeks, the real intrigue still lies in what is going to happen in the Premier League between now and the end of the season. Two teams that still have a great deal to play for are Arsenal and West Ham United, with the pair being set to meet in North London tomorrow afternoon. Arsenal still have an outside chance of edging into the top four, whereas West Ham just want to do everything in their power to avoid relegation.

Arsenal

While it may have been a mixed start to life in the world of management for Mikel Arteta it certainly feels like the future is bright. They don’t have the distraction of the Europa League to deal with in their run-in, and while they would’ve wanted to go all the way in that competition, a chance for silverware will come in the form of the FA Cup if they can make a run through to the final. In terms of this game, though, they need to focus on making the Emirates a fortress again.

Team News

Torreira is set to be on the shelf for a while after fracturing his ankle against Portsmouth, and he’ll be joining Chambers, Tierney, Soares and Kolasinac on the injured list.

West Ham

The appointment of David Moyes was always going to be viewed as a controversial one, but even with that being the case, it feels as if there is a glimmer of hope for this club that they could wind up staying in the top flight. If they go down then it could be catastrophic for their development over the next few years, and nobody knows that better than Moyes. With the squad they have at their disposal, they should be looking at every game as winnable.

Team News

Soucek, Wilshere, Yarmolenko and Fredericks are the names on the injury list for West Ham with the expectation being that they’ll start with the same starting XI that beat Southampton.

Factors to Consider

• In the reverse fixture back in December, Arsenal beat West Ham 3-1.
• Arsenal have won four, drawn one and lost one of their last six games.
• West Ham have won one, drawn one and lost four of their last six games.
• Arsenal have scored 11 goals and conceded four in their last six games.
• West Ham have scored eight goals and conceded 12 in their last six games.

Conclusion

West Ham are going to try and dominate in the air, slow the ball down and generally chip away at Arsenal – not giving them any room to breathe when in possession. While it may have worked for Watford against Liverpool, we just don’t think it’ll be enough for the Hammers here. Arsenal are dying to bounce back from their Europa League disappointment and while the Portsmouth win somewhat did that, the real way to get back on track will be by picking up a big win at the Emirates.

Prediction: Arsenal win

Best Odds: 8/15

Bookmaker: bet365