Arsenal will travel to the London Stadium to take on West Ham United in a crucial Premier League match on Sunday. The Gunners are currently in fourth place, one point behind third-placed Liverpool, while the Hammers are in sixth place, four points behind fifth-placed Chelsea. Both teams will be looking for a win to boost their chances of securing a Champions League spot for next season.
Arsenal: In Form and Confident
Arsenal have been in excellent form in recent weeks, winning six of their last seven matches in all competitions. They have scored 18 goals and conceded only four in that period, showing their attacking prowess and defensive solidity. They have also kept four clean sheets in their last five matches, with goalkeeper Bernd Leno making some crucial saves.
Arsenal have been led by their captain and star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who has scored eight goals in his last seven matches, including a hat-trick against Leeds United last week. The Gabonese forward has formed a lethal partnership with Alexandre Lacazette, who has also scored eight goals in his last 10 matches. The duo have been supported by the likes of Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe, and Martin Odegaard, who have provided creativity and flair in the midfield.
Arsenal have also been boosted by the return of some key players from injury, such as Kieran Tierney, Thomas Partey, and Gabriel Martinelli, who have added depth and quality to the squad. The Gunners have also been impressive in the cup competitions, reaching the quarter-finals of the FA Cup and the round of 16 of the Europa League, where they will face Benfica next week.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will be confident of his team’s chances against West Ham, as he has never lost to them as a player or a manager. He has won four and drawn one of his five meetings with the Hammers, scoring three goals and assisting two. He will also be aware of the importance of this match, as a win could see Arsenal move to third place, if Liverpool drop points against Everton.
West Ham United: Resilient and Determined
West Ham United have been one of the surprise packages of the season, as they have exceeded expectations under manager David Moyes. The Hammers have shown resilience and determination, as they have overcome several challenges and setbacks, such as injuries, Covid-19 cases, and fixture congestion. They have also shown versatility and adaptability, as they have played with different formations and tactics, depending on the opposition and the situation.
West Ham United have been led by their captain and midfielder Declan Rice, who has been a rock in the middle of the park. The England international has been instrumental in breaking up the play, winning the ball, and initiating the attacks. He has also scored two goals and assisted three in his last 10 matches, showing his contribution in both ends of the pitch.
West Ham United have also been boosted by the arrival of Jesse Lingard, who has been a revelation since joining on loan from Manchester United in January. The winger has scored three goals and assisted one in his four appearances for the Hammers, adding pace, energy, and creativity to the attack. He has also formed a good understanding with the likes of Michail Antonio, Jarrod Bowen, and Tomas Soucek, who have also been among the goals this season.
West Ham United have also been impressive in the cup competitions, reaching the fifth round of the FA Cup, where they will face Manchester United next week. They have also been involved in some thrilling matches, such as the 3-3 draw with Tottenham Hotspur and the 3-2 win over Crystal Palace, showing their fighting spirit and never-say-die attitude.
West Ham United manager David Moyes will be motivated to get a positive result against Arsenal, as he has a poor record against them. He has won only four and lost 17 of his 31 meetings with the Gunners, with his last win coming in 2016. He will also be aware of the importance of this match, as a win could see West Ham move to fourth place, if Chelsea drop points against Southampton.
West Ham United vs Arsenal Prediction and Betting Tips
This match promises to be an exciting and entertaining affair, as both teams have plenty of quality and confidence. Both teams will also be eager to get a win, as they are in a tight race for the top four spots. The match could be decided by the fine margins, such as the form of the strikers, the impact of the substitutes, and the decisions of the referee.
Arsenal have the edge over West Ham in terms of head-to-head record, as they have won 15 of their last 16 away matches against them in all competitions. They have also scored at least two goals in 13 of those matches, showing their dominance and efficiency. However, West Ham have improved a lot this season, and could pose a serious threat to Arsenal’s defence, especially with the likes of Lingard and Antonio.
The match could go either way, but Arsenal have the slight advantage, as they have more momentum and experience. They also have more options and depth in their squad, which could make a difference in the latter stages of the game. West Ham will not give up easily, and could score a goal or two, but Arsenal will have enough firepower and quality to secure a narrow win.
Prediction: West Ham United 1-2 Arsenal
