Away to West Ham – Arsenal Preview
European hopefuls West Ham host Champions League chasers Arsenal at the London Stadium this Sunday in another all-London Premier League clash. There is plenty at stake for both sides as they head into this derby match, but the match outcome is by no means cut and dry.
Due to their current upturn in form, Arsenal are the favourites among the latest Bet365 betting odds. However, the Gunners will need to be wary of a tough West Ham team that has the potential to cause an upset, particularly at the London Stadium.
Below, we look at the latest form, team news and predictions for West Ham vs Arsenal.
West Ham Form and Team News
West Ham almost held Chelsea to a 0-0 draw at Stamford Bridge last time out before the Blues netted in the 90th minute. Andriy Yarmolenko went closest to scoring for the Hammers in 70 minutes before Chelsea piled on the pressure. David Moyes’ side almost weathered the late attacks, even though Craig Dawson was sent off and Łukasz Fabianski saved a penalty.
The defeat extended West Ham’s winless run to three in the Premier League following a 1-1 draw against Burnley and a 2-0 loss at Brentford. The recent dip in form has seen the Hammers fall from top four contenders to seventh in the Premier League.
But the Hammers will be relieved to return to the London Stadium this weekend. At home, West Ham are unbeaten in their last six Premier League matches, winning four and drawing two. The East Londoners have also recorded impressive home wins against some of the Premier League’s top six, including Tottenham, Liverpool, and Chelsea.
Some of West Ham’s key players have also produced at home this season. Top scorer Jarrod Bowen has scored twice in his last three home matches in all competitions. Saïd Benrahma has also been in decent Premier League form lately, scoring one and assisting two in his last four league starts.
Arsenal Form and Team News
Arsenal secured two huge results in the last two weeks to get their push for a top-four finish back on track. Firstly, the Gunners beat Chelsea 4-2 at Stamford Bridge before they sealed a 3-1 home victory over top-four challengers Man United. In an even game with United, Arsenal took their chances and Nuno Tavares, Bukayo Saka and Granit Xhaka all got on the scoresheet to secure the three points.
The back-to-back wins have come as a relief for Mikel Arteta after his side lost their previous three against Crystal Palace, Brighton, and Southampton. The winning momentum in recent weeks has seen the Gunners move into the top four with a two-point buffer over fifth-placed Tottenham.
Several of Arsenal’s key players have been central to their mini turnaround against Chelsea and Man United. In particular, Saka has proven to be the Gunner’s key threat. The England international has netted two in his last two games and he is Arsenal’s top goal contributor this season with 11 goals and five assists. Striker Eddie Nketiah has also worked his way back into the starting 11 and the forward netted twice in the 4-2 win at Stamford Bridge last week.
West Ham vs Arsenal Prediction
West Ham has struggled for results in the Premier League recently, and Arsenal has momentum behind them. Also, the Gunners have a good recent record over West Ham, with the North London side beating the Hammers in four of their last five meetings.
Arsenal should be able to take advantage of West Ham’s recent dip in form. Although the East London side won’t be easy to break down, so a narrow away win could take place at the London Stadium.