Verdict: Arsenal to score in both halves
Best Odds: 21/20
Bookmaker: Luckster
Desperate to extend on their Premier League title charge on Saturday afternoon, Arsenal will welcome West Ham to the Emirates.
Arsenal
Starting with the hosts, while Arsenal might have watched their EFL Cup adventure come to an end earlier in the month as they fell to a 4-0 aggregate defeat against Newcastle, the Gunners claimed an immediate response last weekend. Eventually dragging themselves to a hard-fought 2-0 win away at Leicester, Mikel Arteta’s men have won five of their previous six appearances across all competitions. Breezing their way to a Champions League top-eight finish last month, the Gunners will be smelling the chance to make a statement here. Last seen at the Emirates putting in a season-best display as they cruised their way to a 5-1 romp against Manchester City, Arsenal have also gained a reputation for their free-scoring performances in the final third. It should be highlighted, Arteta’s side have notched 12 goals in their previous four showdowns in north London.
Arsenal Team News
Dealing with what has become an injury crisis, Arsenal will once again be unable to call upon attacking stars such as Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and former Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus. Likewise, the Gunners have confirmed that German international Kai Havertz will miss the remainder of the season.
However, returning to Arteta’s squad last weekend, Ben White could get some Premier League minutes for the first time since November 11th. Coming off the bench and bagging a late brace at the King Power, Mikel Merino could be deployed in a false nine role.
West Ham
As for the visitors, while Graham Potter might have only arrived at the London Stadium last month, the former Chelsea boss has a major job on his hands. Last seen putting in another downbeat display as they slumped to a 1-0 loss at home against Brentford, the Hammers have continued to show a string of glaring issues this season. Battling it out at the foot of the Premier League table, Saturday’s guests have recorded just a sole win from any of their six appearances across all competitions since Potter’s arrival in east London. Watching their FA Cup adventure come to an end on January 10th as they suffered a 2-1 defeat at the hands of Aston Villa, West Ham will be more than aware that they face another heavyweight challenge when they travel across the capital this weekend.
West Ham Team News
Suffering a reported ankle injury during a training session earlier in the week, West Ham are expected to be without Brazilian ace Lucas Paqueta. Likewise, the Hammers will travel to north London without former Leeds starlet Crysencio Summerville on Saturday afternoon.
French defender Jean-Clair Todibo could make a first Premier League appearance since January 4th and replace Konstantinos Mavropanos at the back. Notching six Premier League strikes so far this season, skipper Jarrod Bowen will play a leading role in the final third.
Arsenal vs West Ham Key Factors to Consider
- When Arsenal and West Ham met for their reverse Premier League meeting on November 30th, the Gunners collected a 5-2 win at the London Stadium.
- Arsenal have won five of their previous six appearances across all competitions.
- The Gunners have recorded 12 goals in their four consecutive showdowns in front of their own supporters.
- West Ham have recorded just a single win from any of their first six appearances since Potter’s arrival at the London Stadium last month.
- Arsenal have won their last two meetings against West Ham by an aggregate score of 11-2.
Conclusion
Facing what appears to be another must-win showdown on Saturday afternoon, Arsenal will be desperate to lay down another title statement in north London. Last seen at the Emirates storming their way to a sensational 5-1 romp against Manchester City, the Gunners should be smelling a golden opportunity here. Storming their way to a 5-2 victory when they travelled to the London Stadium for their reverse Premier League meeting on November 30th, it is no surprise that Arsenal are pencilled in as a landslide favourite this weekend.
Verdict: Arsenal to score in both halves
Best Odds: 21/20
Bookmaker: Luckster
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