England Premier League
Saturday 7th March 2020
Kick off at 3pm GMT
Venue: Emirates Stadium
Match Preview:
It’s been a beleaguered season for Arsenal so far and whilst their recent upturn in the Premier League has been encouraging, they followed up wins over Newcastle and Everton by being knocked out of the Europa League by Olympiakos.
Critics could also point out that both recent league wins seemed to be papering over cracks. They were outplayed by Newcastle in the first half of that game and yet went on to win 4-0. Against Everton they arguably beat the better side, who controlled much of the 2nd half. Still the Gunners are not going to complain too much if it produces three points, whether it bodes well for the future is another question entirely.
The Europa League defeat felt like a big blow though considering that Mikel Arteta’s team had won in Greece and were knocked out at Emirates Stadium, and it was a harsh reminder that Arteta has a huge job at the club to rebuild. As for the league Arsenal have 37 points and a win at the weekend could move them up a couple of places. They are 8 points from a Champions League finish, and despite recent troubles the club have not lost a game this year, their last defeat coming at home was against Chelsea during the Christmas period.
West Ham secured a huge win last weekend beating Southampton 3-1 to move out of the relegation zone. In a weekend which also saw wins for Watford and Norwich this victory was really needed. However, the fact that the Hammers are only in a safe position because of goal difference means they are far from safe and the threat of relegation hangs over them, that is why this game is so important.
The Hammers have lost their last 5 away games though, and whilst they have had very tough games against the likes of Liverpool and Manchester City they have still conceded 9 goals in their last 3 outings and their defence remains a worry. Only 3 other clubs have conceded more this season and currently West Ham have shipped 49 goals.
Team News:
Arsenal: Lucas Torreira has an ankle injury but it isn’t thought to be serious. Shkodran Mustafi is being pencilled in to return for this game after his muscle injury
West Ham: Tomas Soucek isn’t due back for another two weeks with a groin injury. Xande Silva could make his long awaited come back and is back in training
Arsenal vs West Ham Head to Head:
Last season Arsenal won this fixture 3-1.
From the last 8 meetings, West Ham have just 1 win.
From the last 11 games when Arsenal have been at home West Ham have just one victory.
5 from the last 8 meetings have seen 4 goals or more.
Arsenal vs West Ham Prediction:
Though Arsenal remain vulnerable to attacks and their defence are not to be trusted they have more than enough to beat West Ham at the Emirates. The Hammers are simply poor on the road and if they are to stay up it will be all about how they perform in their remaining home games. Arsenal will have to weather the storm but Arteta will expect a reaction after losing at home in the Europa League. At the end of the day Arsenal haven’t looked brilliant and yet have scored 7 goals at home in their last two league matches, and West Ham are one goal away from conceding 50 this season. Everything points to an Arsenal win, but their players need to be on top of the game. From a West Ham perspective it seems unlikely the defence will be able to cope with Pierre- Emerick Aubameyang.
Arsenal vs West Ham Betting Tips:
Asian handicap (-1 Arsenal) at 1.99
Anytime goalscorer: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at 1.67
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