West Ham v Arsenal – Preview, Predictions and Best Bets

West Ham host Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday. After a poor start to the season, the Hammers have picked up 10 points from their last six fixtures. The Gunners, meanwhile, have won just once in their last five league matches, falling nine points behind the leaders. Arsenal claimed a dominant 6-0 victory at West Ham last season.

West Ham Form

The Hammers endured a tough stretch recently, earning just two points from four league matches and suffering a heavy defeat at Liverpool in the Carabao Cup. Things improved with a 1-1 draw at Brentford, where they managed 19 shots, followed by a much-needed 4-1 home win over Ipswich, generating 3.79 xG.

However, a 4-1 loss at Tottenham exposed ongoing issues. They bounced back with a late 2-1 victory over Manchester United but then suffered a 3-0 defeat at Nottingham Forest. A dull 0-0 home draw against Everton followed before a morale-boosting 2-0 win at Newcastle on Monday, in which they had 15 shots but allowed 18.

West Ham Team News

Manager Julen Lopetegui remains without the suspended Mohammed Kudus for this match. Edson Álvarez is available after serving a suspension but is unlikely to start.

Striker Niclas Füllkrug is nearing a return from a calf injury but is not expected to feature. Konstantinos Mavropanos could start in central defense after Jean-Clair Todibo went off injured against Newcastle.

West Ham Motivation

With pressure easing slightly on Lopetegui, the Hammers can approach this match as a free hit and aim for an upset against Arsenal.

Expect an open style of play, which could lead to plenty of chances for both sides—or a heavy defeat if West Ham concede early and leave themselves exposed to Arsenal’s counterattacks.

Arsenal Form

Arsenal have struggled recently, with just one win in their last five Premier League matches. Their downturn began with a 2-0 loss at Bournemouth after being reduced to ten men. A 1-0 win over Shakhtar in Europe was followed by a 2-2 draw at home to Liverpool, where they let a lead slip.

After a comfortable 3-0 League Cup win over lower-league Preston, Arsenal suffered back-to-back defeats: a 1-0 loss at Newcastle and another 1-0 defeat at Inter Milan, despite having 20 shots. A 1-1 draw at Chelsea before the FIFA break gave way to two confidence-boosting wins: a 3-0 victory over Nottingham Forest and a resounding 5-1 triumph at Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League.

Arsenal Team News

Defenders Takehiro Tomiyasu and Ben White are both sidelined through injury, but Arsenal have no other fitness concerns. Kieran Tierney is available again.

Mikel Arteta is likely to stick with the same starting XI that beat Sporting Lisbon. Declan Rice is fit to start, while Thomas Partey is back in the lineup. Leandro Trossard may continue as an impact substitute, with Gabriel Martinelli starting on the left wing.

Arsenal Motivation

Only a win will suffice for Arsenal as they aim to close the gap to Liverpool and hope their rivals slip up against Manchester City.

The Gunners will look to dominate possession and attack West Ham, potentially switching to a deeper, counter-attacking approach if they take the lead.

Key Stats

West Ham: Over 2.5 goals have been scored in 14 of their last 16 home matches against Arsenal (all competitions).

Head-to-Head: The last eight meetings between these sides have produced 31 goals.

West Ham: Have lost three of their last six home matches (LLLWWD).

Arsenal: Have won just one of their last five Premier League matches.

Arsenal: Have scored eight goals in their last two matches.

Bukayo Saka: Has scored in three of his last five league fixtures.

Verdict

West Ham are showing signs of improvement, but Arsenal appears to have moved past their recent slump. Bukayo Saka is in excellent form and is a strong candidate to score in what should be a convincing win for the Gunners.

Best Bet: Arsenal win (-1 handicap) at 2.25.

Value Bet: Arsenal win and Over 3.5 goals at 3.50.

Goalscorer Tip: Bukayo Saka to score anytime at 2.30.