Arsenal v West Ham – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

Arsenal host West Ham in the English Premier League at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday. This match will see David Moyes reach the 600 mark as a manager in the Premier League. The Gunners have stripped Aubameyang of the captaincy before this match and face a side they’ve beaten in 10 of their last 11 home matches.

Arsenal Form

After a fine run of six wins and two draws in eight matches, Arsenal was back in top-four contention and in high spirits. A tough run followed as the Gunners were beaten 4-0 at Liverpool, 3-2 at Man Utd, and 2-1 at Everton in three of their next four matches. A 2-0 home win against Newcastle came after the Liverpool thrashing.

Their last match saw a 3-0 home win against Southampton. After a tough start, the Gunners took full control as Alexandre Lacazette, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel netted the goals. The xG figures read 1.9 to 0.6 in a dominant display.

Arsenal Team News

Mikel Arteta is missing three players for this match. Bernd Leno and Sead Kolasinac are out injured. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is suspended and stripped of the captaincy after ill-discipline. Alexandre Lacazette is expected to lead the line once again.

The big question is if Emile Smith Rowe comes back into the side after being an unused sub in the Southampton win. He is over his injury but may be left on the bench as Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard (three goals in his last three matches) are playing well.

Arsenal Motivation

Arsenal needs a win here. Should they take three points, they would overtake West Ham and end the round in the top four due to Man Utd not playing.

Arteta’s team will look to dominate possession and build from the back. They’ve been good at scoring first and keeping a clean sheet after that to win to nil.

West Ham Form

Despite a dip in form, West Ham holds onto fourth place. After ending Liverpool’s 20 matches unbeaten run, there was a 1-0 loss at Wolves. A 2-1 defeat at Man City followed in a tepid Hammers display. Those two losses saw a combined 0.5 xG by David Moyes’ side.

A 1-1 home draw with Brighton came next despite 35% possession as they conceded an 89th minute Neil Maupay goal. Their next match brought a 3-2 win against Chelsea as they came back from 2-1 down. Their only put up 1.1 xG but had some fortune. Their last match was a 0-0 draw at Burnley. West Ham dominated with 16 shots to nine and 60% possession.

West Ham Team News

West Ham has several injuries in defence for this match. Aaron Cresswell is doubtful with back at left fullback whilst both Angelo Ogbonna and Kurt Zouma are both out. Issa Diop and Craig Dawson will anchor defence. Arthur Masuaku may start at left-back as Ben Johnson is also injured as an option there.

Moyes may decide to recall Pablo Fornals in place of Manuel Lanzini but the rest of the XI could be the same as for the 0-0 draw at Burnley.

West Ham Motivation

The Hammers are good in the big matches and have recently beaten Liverpool and Chelsea by making the most of their limited chances.

Moyes will play to win this match, largely on the counter-attack, but maybe quite satisfied with a point, not least because it stops Arsenal from overtaking them.

Key Stats

Arsenal have won 10 of their last 11 home PL matches against West Ham

West Ham have won just 2 of their last 26 PL matches against Arsenal (lost 19)

Arsenal have lost 2 of their 4 PL London derbies this season

West ham have lost 2 of their last 3 away matches

WHU have conceded in 5 of their last 6 away matches

West Ham won 4 of their first 5 away PL matches of this season

Arsenal have won 6 of their last 7 home matches

Verdict

Arsenal is expected to win this match but West Ham has recently beaten Liverpool and Chelsea and can’t be taken lightly. Both sides should be on target and West Ham could be a decent tip to get something from this.

Best Bet: Both Teams to Score at 1.68
Alternative Bet: West Ham win/draw double chance at 1.66
Correct Score Tip: Arsenal 1-1 West Ham at 7.75

James O'Connor

James is a football analyst who writes about the tactics of the PSL and English Premier League. He holds the UEFA A coaching licence and has previously worked for several clubs in analysis roles.Twitter: https://twitter.com/footy_analysis